File photo of a Lethbridge Police vehicle. (Lethbridge News Now)

By Justin Goulet

Lethbridge Police working to limit unsafe driving behaviours and equipment violations

Aug 22, 2021 | 8:00 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Lethbridge Police are focusing in on the importance of safe driving.

The Lethbridge Police Service Traffic Response Unit (TRU) continued to field complaints about speeding, excessive noise from vehicles that are racing, and stunting in the city. As a result, the LPS has directed additional officers to focus on hot spots and is beginning to see some progress.

During a traffic enforcement initiative on two evenings of late, the most recent on August 14, officers issued a total of 75 tickets under the Traffic Safety Act. They also towed eight vehicles for infractions, including equipment violations, no insurance, and impaired driving. Two criminal code charges were laid in relation to unrelated violations, according to the LPS.

Local police list Mayor Magrath Drive South, the West Crossings area and the northside industrial park as problem areas for driving infractions. As a result, a “highly-visible” police presence was provided in those areas. In addition to curbing this behavior, the goal was to make the roads safer for other drivers.

Acting Sergeant Brent Paxman, with the TRU, said officers assigned to the campaign noted an improvement from the first evening of enforcement to the second.

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He said that, “there were still a lot of vehicles out there, but a lot less offenders.”

“I do think that what we are doing is working.”

Although it is not economically feasible to call in extra officers for traffic enforcement every evening, police do have plans for further traffic initiatives to ensure the positive trend continues.

The majority of the tickets issued on the two evenings were for equipment violations, such as loud mufflers. Paxman said it’s important for drivers to realize violations like this impact the quality of life of residents.

He remarked, “they purchase a house, maybe it’s their dream house, and they can’t sleep at night because people are driving, fast, obnoxious and loud. We’re trying to stop that.”

Removing mud flaps from a vehicle, according to police, shows a lack of courtesy to other drivers.

Paxman said, “I tell them, ‘how would you like it if a rock came into your windshield or chipped the hood of your vehicle? You’d be mad, and that’s what you are doing to other people.’”

The LPS admits that unsafe, discourteous and illegal driving behaviours have not been eliminated, but work will continue to address the issue.

Residents experiencing problems in their neighbourhood are asked to contact the Lethbridge Police Service at 403-328-4444 and provide specific details about vehicles or license plates if they have them available.

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