Agassiz RCMP Cpl. Rae Lynn Downey is reminding motorists that the speed zone sign is the warning.
Failure to heed that warning will hit speeders where it hurts – in their pocket books.
After receiving several complaints of constant speeding in the area near Fir Road, Downey said residents in the area are frustrated.
“This quiet residential road has become a ‘back road’ route and, with no paved shoulders and narrow roads, it is increasingly dangerous for anyone biking or walking in the area,” she said.
Fir Road’s speed limit changes from 50 km per hour to 30 km per hour, yet the number of drivers exceeding the speed limit during a two-hour enforcement check on Friday, May 27 were staggering for Downey.
Within about 15 minutes, all six commuters heading north-east on Fir Road were at least 15 km over the speed limit.
As the two hours continued, more drivers sped down the road, which features a 90 degree angled turn on both ends of the street.
Despite the turn, people were travelling well above the maximum 30 km speed limit, reaching 45 km to 50 km speeds, according to a radar detector.
“Do you know what the speed limit is here?” Downey would ask Agassiz residents after pulling them to the side of the road during the traffic check.
Driver responses would vary from 20 km to 50 km. During the two hours of traffic enforcement, all but two drivers were speeding.
Downey said the days of verbal and written warnings – like the ones she and Const.Ryan Price were issuing during Friday’s check – are over. Tickets will now be issued.
“This area will continue to be subjected to targeted enforcement,” Downey continued.
Although she acknowledges that a contributing factor to speeding is a driver’s familiarity with the route, she said that’s no excuse. Kids and families in the area shouldn’t be afraid to ride their bikes down the street or go for a run.
“This road isn’t meant to be a thoroughly used road,” she added.
The fine for exceeding the speed limit by less than 21 km per hour is $138; speeding between 22 km to 40 km per hour over the legal limit will cost a speeder $196; and speeding 40 km per hour not only costs $368, but the car is also subject to impounded.