OPP crackdown coming

OPP crackdown coming

Regional News

By: Joe Fantauzzi

Ontario Provincial Police Commissioner Julian Fantino is promising a zero-tolerance crackdown on drivers showing no regard for emergency vehicles on Ontario’s highways.

The law, which requires you to slow down and, if possible, move over when driving past an emergency vehicle with its lights flashing, has been in place for about five years, he noted.

“It’s about time motorists start obeying the law,” Commissioner Fantino said in a statement.

“I experienced a situation first hand recently when I was almost hit after I stopped a vehicle along Hwy. 401 on my way back from Tillsonburg. This is a safety issue for officers and other emergency first responders as they go about their jobs. There will be no warnings; violators will get a ticket every time.”

The ticket, Commissioner Fantino referred to, includes a fine ranging from $400 to $2,000, plus three demerit points and a possible licence suspension for up to two years, upon conviction for a first offence.

Break that law again within five years and you could face a fine of between $1,000 to $4,000, possible jail time of up to six months and a possible suspension of your licence for up to two years.

Commissioner Fantino’s warning came as police urged motorists to prepare for the upcoming winter weather and the driving challenges it can present.

“Conditions change without notice and commuters will notice a change in their drive,” OPP said.

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