Local police have been trying to address what seems to be a growing speeding problem in Thunder Bay
The traffic department of the Thunder Bay Police Service has been conducting speeding blitzes for the last two weeks. The idea to crack down came after concerns were expressed that drivers were ignoring posted speed limits.
The results of the speeding blitz show that those concerns may be valid. During the two-week campaign police officials say they have handed area motorists 180 tickets.
"Many of those tickets were for significantly higher speeds (than the posted limits)," said Sgt. Glenn Porter. "Those tickets were handed out in areas, four of them at least, in school zones. That’s particularly concerning to us."
Sgt. Porter said the warmer weather appears to be distracting drivers.
"They’re not paying attention to their speeds, and maybe drivers are taking advantage of a bit of drier pavement," Sgt. Porter said. "We’re just asking motorists to think again and watch their speeds a little bit."
Porter added that the highest ticket awarded went to a driver who was travelling about 91 kilometres-per-hour in a school zone. Schools zones typically have a posted speed limit of 40 km/h.
