Nanaimo RCMP issue more than 100 tickets during traffic blitz

Nanaimo RCMP issued more than 100 tickets to high risk drivers during a traffic blitz last week.

On Friday, September 4th, Nanaimo RCMP officers, supported by the Air 8 helicopter and regional policing partners from Oceanside and Comox conducted a targeted traffic enforcement initiative to target high risk drivers.

The initiative resulted in more than 100 charges under the Motor Vehicle Act, as well as nine warnings, one driving ban and one criminal investigation for dangerous operation and driving while prohibited.

During the campaign, police said 10 vehicles were impounded.

According to Nanaimo RCMP, speeding accounted for the majority of violations, including six excessive speeding tickets.

Support for the campaign was provided by Air 8 from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., during which time several high-risk motorcycle and e-bike riders who were stunting and driving erratically were located.

According to police, the helicopter’s observations enabled officers on the ground to safely intercept and remove multiple unsafe vehicles from Nanaimo roads.

In a notable incident, Air 8 assisted in tracking a motorcycle rider travelling at a high rate of speed, weaving through traffic and passing vehicles unlawfully on both shoulders.

Police say the rider was located and arrested at a residence in Nanaimo, the vehicle impounded and criminal code charges laid for dangerous operation and driving while prohibited and being pursued.

“The results of this enforcement initiative demonstrate our commitment to keeping Nanaimo’s roads safe by targeting dangerous driving behaviours that put the public at risk,” said Supt. Eric Rochette, officer in charge of the Nanaimo RCMP.

Police said through their collaboration with Air 8 several high-risk drivers were caught  before someone was seriously injured.