In six hours, dozens of charges were laid against drivers in the nation’s capital who were caught by police speeding well above the limits.
Ottawa police teamed up with Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) to patrol Highway 7 and 417 for vehicles disobeying the speed limits. In the initiative on Labour Day, police said they laid 46 charges, including six Criminal Code offences.
In one incident on Highway 7, police stopped a Tesla that was going well above the speed limit at 204 km/h. The person was charged criminally for dangerous operation, an option given to officers in the nation’s capital for any speeds over 180 km/h.
Six people were charged for stunt driving, including a food delivery driver going 168 km/h. Officers were stationed at Moodie Road on the highway and pulled over the driver. Because of the high speed the vehicle was impounded immediately, meaning the food never got to the customer, officials detailed.
“OPP are concerned with the number of charges laid within such a short time period. It is disappointing to see the number of drivers that are still willing to put themselves and the rest of the public at risk by driving at such high speeds or under the influence of alcohol and drugs,” OPP Constable Michael Fathi, told CityNews.
Two motorcyclists were caught speeding excessively, including on who was clocked at 182 km/h. The accused was tracked by the OPP plane, and faces offences including flight from an officer.
Shuai Liu, 27, of Ottawa is charged with:
Dangerous operation
Stunt Driving
Speeding – 50+ Km/h over the posted speed limit
Class M1 licence holder – drive on prohibited highway
Fail to surrender insurance card
Driver fail to surrender licence
Fail to surrender permit for motor vehicle
“OPP General Headquarters are very supportive of what we are doing here in Ottawa and members of the public can expect to see the plane here more often,” Fathi said.
Police used several tools at their disposal including speed guns, automatic licence plate recognition software and the OPP plane. (OPP)
Another man also faces impaired operation charges after police were called to a minor two-vehicle collision on the highway. Darrel Baily, 34, of Ottawa is facing charges of impaired operation by alcohol and drugs, dangerous operation and blood alcohol concentration of 80 plus.
Police told CityNews that the man said he was on his way to pick up his children.
Those facing stunt driving charges have an immediate 30-day roadside suspension of their licence, and their vehicle is towed and impounded for two weeks.
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