RCMP West Kootenay Traffic Services impounded over 90 vehicles for excessive speed last week.
Between Monday, Aug. 1 and Friday, Aug. 5, RCMP impounded 94 vehicles for travelling at speeds more that 40 km per hour above the speed limit. Targeted speed enforcement took place on Highway 3, west of Castlegar, and east of Salmo. The highest recorded speed was 188 km per hour in a 100 km per hour zone.
“The speeds are in excess of 40 km an hour, as a result we must impound the vehicle and it’s a seven day impound,” said Cpl. Chad Badry.
Cpl. Badry said that the majority of those who had their vehicles impounded were attending the Shambhala Music Festival near Salmo. The number of impounds this year was significantly higher than during Shambhala last year, when RCMP impounded 64 vehicles. “I’m not sure why people aren’t getting the message,” said Cpl. Badry.
Police have also opened 84 illegal drug investigation files so far, most involving multiple types of drugs, including cocaine, DMT and hashish. West Kootenay Traffic Services reports that more than 15 drivers criminally impaired by drugs were removed from the road on Aug. 8 and 9. Drivers were also suspended for 24 hours for drug impairment and hundreds of traffic violation tickets were handed out for offences including defective vehicles and no seat belts.
