Sunday, May 22, 2011

Nanaimo RCMP will target aggressive drivers this long weekend, a time that sees thousands of people hit the roads.


Police across the province have partnered with ICBC this month to highlight the dangers associated with speeding and aggressive driving.

This year, major speeders may lose their wheels for a week in addition to a hefty fine.

Last spring, 40 km/h or more over the limit meant a large fine.

Penalties upgraded last fall means this long weekend, drivers charged with excessive speeding will have their car towed and impounded for seven days, in addition to a fine of up to $483.

Sgt. John Blaase, head of the Nanaimo RCMP traffic unit, said officers already stepped up enforcement on Friday, seizing the motorcycle of one biker clocked at 150 km/hr on the Nanaimo Parkway.

Police will be conducting road checks, patrols and other traffic blitzes in Nanaimo throughout this weekend, typically one of the busiest times of the year on the road.

Last May long weekend in Nanaimo, 20 drivers were fined for excessive speed.

Nanaimo RCMP are also aware of a Hells Angels event scheduled in Campbell River this weekend.

Dozens of bikers from across B.C. are expected to gather there and at a dual event staged in Kelowna.

Support clubs are also expected to attend the rides.

Specific plans involving Nanaimo Hells Angels are unknown but outlaw motorcycle specialists are expected to monitor the events.