An RCMP officer clocks the speed of a motorist on Highway 1 west Winnipeg as a tow truck works on the roadside. (CAA MANITOBA)
Drivers will see increased police patrols in and around school zones across the province as part of an enforcement blitz.
Manitoba Public Insurance is partnering with three police agencies to watch for speeding drivers and ensure safety during the first month of classes.
MPI is spending approximately $53,000 to assist police in Winnipeg and Brandon, as well as the RCMP, to have an added presence around schools in the mornings and afternoons.
“Changing a driver’s behaviour involves a combination of education, awareness and law enforcement,” said Satvir Jatana, vice-president responsible for corporate communications, MPI.
“High visibility police projects serve as a reminder for all motorists to slow down and drive with care in school zones.”
Police handed out 650 speeding tickets in 2018 during the initiative, which is now in its seventh year. Police will also be watching for distracted drivers, those using hand-held electronic devices and failing to stop at pedestrian crosswalks, as well as at other traffic control devices.
Last year, police monitored 141 different school locations in both urban and rural communities throughout Manitoba.
