Edmonton Police Service (EPS) officers and City of Edmonton automated enforcement handed out a total of 2,158 traffic violations on May 10, 2023, during Operation 24 Hours.
Of the total 2,158 traffic violations, 1,865 were solely related to speed. There were also 293 other violations, which included 15 distracted driving violations, 63 red light violations, and 5 Criminal Code offences.
During this Operation 24 Hours, Traffic Services Branch officers caught multiple excessive speeders, including a motorist travelling more than double the posted speed limit (125 km/hr in a 60 km/hr zone) on 97 Street at 122 Avenue, and two motorists travelling 53 km/hr over the posted speed limit, one in a 100 km/hr on Anthony Henday Drive and the other in a 90 km/hr zone on Highway 14. All three drivers were issued mandatory court summons.
Likewise, officers made two notable arrests, beginning with a 17-year-old male who was first noticed by police speeding on Whitemud Drive in the area of 91 Street at approximately 12 p.m. The vehicle passed police and slowed, exiting the Whitemud onto 91 Street southbound. Officers determined the vehicle was stolen and followed it to a parking lot in the area of 91 Street and 39 Avenue where multiple occupants fled the car on foot. The driver was apprehended after a short foot pursuit and has since been charged with dangerous driving, possession of stolen property under $5,000 and criminal flight. The driver was released on an Appearance Notice and the other apprehended youths were released and not charged.
At 2:45 p.m., traffic officers conducted a motor vehicle branch check on an SUV in the area of 167 Avenue and 82 Street. The vehicle was determined to be a rental and officers conducted a stop to ensure the driver had a valid operator’s licence. While police were speaking with the driver, they suspected drug trafficking was taking place and detained the driver, subsequently observing 42 small packages (0.5 grams each) of cocaine (approximate street value of $1,680) in the vehicle. Searches incident to arrest also located $10,000 in cash, multiple cell phones and other electronics. The 27-year-old driver has since been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking and proceeds of crime.
The Edmonton Police Service and the City of Edmonton coordinate regular enforcement campaigns throughout the year (such as Operation 24 Hours) to improve traffic safety on Edmonton’s roadways.
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