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January Road Report: Enforcement targets high-risk driving in Richmond

Richmond

2025-02-12 14:43 PST

Richmond RCMP officers issued 832 traffic violation tickets in January 2025, targeting high-risk driving behaviours, as part of ongoing efforts to improve safety for all road users.

Key categories of motor vehicle offenses include:

Speeding: 187
Distracted driving: 64
Impaired drug/alcohol infractions: 34

Richmond RCMP officer conducting speed enforcement, behind a tree

High collision areas and targeted enforcement

In January, HWY 91 and the Hamilton area were identified as locations for targeted traffic enforcement by our Road Safety Unit (RSU) as a result of increases in reported unsafe driving behaviours.

Additional enforcement conducted at high priority intersections focused on distracted drivers, occupant restraint violations, and intersection enforcement in an effort to change driver behaviour and create a safer road environment.

Due to an increase in collisions, officers will also be conducting additional enforcement in the following areas throughout February:

Steveston Highway from No 5 Road to No 4 Road
No 3 Road from Cambie Road to Westminster Highway

Residents are reminded to drive cautiously, especially in winter weather conditions.

January enforcement highlights

Immediate roadside prohibition: January 15, 2025 – an RSU officer stopped a truck for erratic driving. The officer pulled up beside the vehicle and saw a man driving. When he pulled the vehicle over, he noticed a shuffling going on inside the vehicle and a woman moved into the driver’s seat. The officer had the actual driver, the man, step out and demanded he provide a sample of his breath, which registered FAIL. The driver was detained and later released with the following charges:
- An immediate roadside prohibition for 90 days—$500 and 10 pts
- A vehicle impound for 30 days – towing and storage costs
- A violation ticket for No Drivers License—$276 and 3 pts
- A separate 2-month driving prohibition
8 month driving prohibition: January 21, 2025 – An RSU officer conducted a traffic stop with a pink BMW M4 in the area of Cooney Rd and Spires Rd. The registered owner was a Class 7L holder with an extensive driving record and recent convictions which triggered the notation for police to serve an 8-month driving prohibition. The RSU officer laid 3 additional charges during the stop as the driver was driving without a supervisor, had failed to display his L and had failed to change his address with ICBC.
Insurance ‘too expensive’ for Tesla owner?: January 31, 2025 – An RSU officer was patrolling westbound on Akroyd Rd and Minoru Blvd when they picked up an ALPR Unlicensed Vehicle linked to a white Tesla Model 3. The officer engaged police emergency lights and stopped the vehicle. The male driver produced a valid BC Drivers License and was identified as the owner. The driver stated that because the insurance was too expensive for him and he did not drive the vehicle often, he did not purchase insurance. The driver was issued a violation ticket for no insurance, and the vehicle was towed back to the driver's residence. The license plates were removed and returned to ICBC to prevent the driver from driving the vehicle again without insurance.

January community outreach highlights

RSU officers and volunteers partnered with ICBC on January 6th and 8th for a winter Back to School Safety Blitz campaign. Volunteers set up speed watch stations and distributed reflectors, while officers conducted enforcement and outreach around 6 local schools. This campaign was designed to remind drivers of the importance of safe and focused driving as children returned to school.
On January 22nd, officers organized a distracted driving enforcement operation for media demonstration at No. 3 Rd. and Cambie Rd. This location was selected because of the high-volume of pedestrians, traffic and commuter traffic to a transit station. The 2-hour operation resulted in 10 charges laid, including a conviction for a ride share operator driving on the sidewalk.
Additionally, officers participated in producing a 25-minute documentary on impaired driving with a local media outlet that serves our Chinese-language audience that aired on January 24th. The feature included representatives from MADD Metro Vancouver and ICBC, as well as a fulsome demonstration by officers on impaired driving enforcement on Richmond roadways, with the goal of promoting safe driving practices.

Upcoming events

Richmond RCMP is hosting a Car Seat Clinic on February 15, 2025 in partnership with Richmond Fire Rescue. This free event will be held at Brighouse Fire Hall No.1, 6906 Gilbert Rd, Richmond from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and provides caregivers with guidance on correct installation and use of child car seats. Learn more and reserve your spot here. Limited drop-in spots are available on first-come-first-serve basis.

Interior view of a uniformed police officer inspecting a child seat in a vehicle

Officer recognition

This month, we celebrate the career of Corporal Somerville, who retired in January 2025 after 31 years of service. Known for his mentorship and dedication to road safety, Cpl. Somerville leaves behind a legacy of contributions, including the development of RCMP Motorcycle course standards and curricula. In his retirement, Cpl. Somerville intends to continue serving the Richmond RCMP Road Safety Unit as a Reserve Constable. We thank you for your service, Cpl. Somerville!
Corporal Peter Somerville of Richmond RCMP stopped on his motorcycle on a bright and sunny day