West District RCMP Plans Operations In Construction Zones

The West District RCMP is planning a number of operations at road construction zones during the month of August in an effort to get drivers to slow down through these areas.

Lower speed limits in construction zones are in place to help protect those working on roadways and motorists. Construction zones often have narrower lanes and partially constructed roadways. The lower speeds are necessary to ensure both motorists and construction workers are safe, said police.

In the West District this summer there have been incidents reported to police such as drivers going through construction zones at high rates of speed or driving erratically. Past police operations at construction zones have resulted in dozens of people being ticketed in a single afternoon for driving well over the speed limit.

"We’re just as happy to go to a construction zone and not give out any tickets as that means people are obeying the law to keep them and the construction workers safe,” says Cpl. James Christensen with the West District RCMP’s Oromocto detachment. “We want the message clear to drivers so that there are no surprises. If you’re speeding through a construction zone, be prepared for it to cost you hundreds of dollars.”

Speeding through a construction zone carries a doubling of the normal fine for speeding. If going less than 25 km/h over the speed limit, fines are $340.50, between 26 km/h and 50 km/h, over the speed limit, the fine is $580.50 and if speeding 50 km/h over the speed limit, the fine is $1204.50, according to police.