BC Highway Patrol spent the Thanksgiving weekend patrolling the East Kootenay and caught one driver who was travelling over twice the legal speed limit.
Highway Patrol officials said police had a heightened presence over the long weekend as part of a campaign to target speed relative to conditions.
Officials said the worst example happened on Sunday, when officers patrolling Highway 93 in Kootenay National Park spotted a vehicle travelling at high speeds.
The vehicle was clocked going 197 km/h, over twice the legal limit of 90 km/h.
“The vehicle was stopped and a 22-year-old male from Edmonton was charged with excessive speeding. He was fined $483, and his vehicle was impounded for seven days,” said RCMP officials.
More aggressive drivers were caught in Kootenay National Park over the weekend, including three other incidents resulting in vehicles being impounded.
“Two as a result of excessive speed resulting in 7-day vehicle impoundments with the drivers receiving fines of $368,” said RCMP officials. “A third driver was found to be under the influence of alcohol resulting in the driver receiving a 3-day immediate roadside prohibition and a vehicle impoundment of 3 days.”
More drivers were caught breaking the rules along Highway 3 near Creston.
“Three drivers were found travelling at excessive speeds all resulting in 7-day vehicle impoundments and fines for excessive speeding,” said police officials. “In these instances, one driver was found to be unlicensed while another was a new driver.”
“We want to remind all drivers that, as the season changes, it is essential to adjust driving habits according to the conditions,” said Sergeant Ron Kneckt, non-commissioned officer in charge of BC Highway Patrol – Cranbrook.