Haldimand OPP - “We can write traffic tickets”

It seems that last weeks attempt to play “cops” by enforcing a curfew against teenagers in Caledonia was not good enough for the Haldimand OPP. In a further effort to convince the public that they in fact still have control in Caledonia, they sent out the following press release today.

August 02, 2007

(Haldimand County, ON) Haldimand County OPP is anticipating considerable traffic on the roadways and waterways this long weekend due to many motor sport events, boating and tourism plus its close proximity to larger municipalities within the Golden Horseshoe.

Haldimand County has experienced 4 fatal and 106 personal injury motor vehicle collisions so far this year. A traffic initiative is being implemented for this long weekend, which is intended to prevent further fatalities and enforce a zero tolerance policy for driving/boating infractions within the county.

Through this initiative, Haldimand County OPP has identified Highway 6 a hotspot between Haldibrook Road and Haldimand Road 66. For this year so far, the numbers show 12 motor vehicle collisions at the intersection of Green’s Road and Highway 6.

Cst Wright states the three major factors in collisions along this stretch of Highway and at this intersection are driving too fast for conditions, following to close and failing to stop/yield.

Haldimand County OPP will be increasing traffic enforcement at this intersection as well as along Highway 6. More R.I.D.E. Programs will be conducted at the intersection and on Highway 6, which will also help slow traffic down. The Haldimand County OPP Marine Unit will be increasing their enforcement as well while patrolling the Grand River and Lake Erie. Traffic on Highway 56 will be closely monitored as well as other major roadways to prevent people intending to race their vehicles or drive aggressively. Drinking and driving offences and non-compliance of seatbelt laws are a part of the zero tolerance policy, which officers will be strictly enforcing.

However, the best prevention comes from the motoring public. All motorists are encouraged to call OPP on their cell phone to report bad driving and impaired driving. In doing so, the hotspots will go away.

To report unsafe drivers call *OPP on your cell phone or 1-888-310-1122. If you see an impaired driver call 911. Your call makes a difference.

Here are a few questions I’m sure they won’t care to answer. How quickly will that “zero tolerance” policy change if they observe a driver who is Native that happens to be impaired, or not wearing his seat belt? How often do they check the many cars that come and go from DCE to see if the driver is wearing a seatbelt or impaired? How many cars have sped away from DCE and been pulled over so the driver could be ticketed?

When are they going to learn that enforcing boating safety regulations can’t undo their refusal to enforce a court order to remove violent criminals from a subdivision in 2006?

When they say “your call makes a difference” why don’t they mention that if your call comes from the Sixth Line Rd. or a house bordering DCE, your call will be ignored?

I’m sure Paula Wright who issues these statements is reading this, so feel free to answer my questions anytime Paula. I’m sure my readers would be fascinated by your answers.

Jeff Parkinson
Caledonia Wakeup Call
Jeff@CaledoniaWakeupCall.com