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Richmond RCMP nab 23 speeders in Highway 99 construction zone

Richmond RCMP issued over 20 speeding tickets during a traffic operation last week – and says the number of vehicles impounded is “both surprising and disappointing.

Richmond RCMP issued over 20 speeding tickets during a traffic operation last week – and says the number of vehicles impounded is “both surprising and disappointing.”

Over the course of the 10-hour operation conducted between June 22 and June 25 in a construction zone, along Highway 99 between Steveston and Westminster highways, Richmond RCMP’s Road Safety Unit issued 23 excessive speeding tickets.

This included four vehicles travelling over 140 km/hour. The highest speeds recorded – 147 km/hour and 150 km/hour – were both motorcycles.

RCMP also say that two of the impounded cars were driven by new drivers.

“The lack of respect for the clearly-posted speed limit is frightening,” said Cpl. Peter Somerville, with the Road Safety Unit.

“These drivers have zero regard for the safety of the workers and other motorists who are following the speed limit.”

Under the BC Motor Vehicles Act, excessive speeding is defined as driving more than 40 km/hour over the posted speed limit. Tickets for excessive speeding result in an automatic seven-day vehicle impoundment.

Highway 99 is a busy commuter route, and typically has a posted speed limit of 90 km/hour. However, the speed was lowered to 70 km/hour within the construction zone, which is in the northbound lanes and runs from the Steveston Highway onramp to the Westminster Highway onramp.

The Road Safety Unit launched the operation after officers from the unit noticed that drivers weren’t following the speed limit in the construction zone, according to RCMP.

“There is even an electronic board which clearly shows motorists the speed they are travelling at to try and get them to slow down,” said Somerville.

“It’s clear, however, that drivers just aren’t respecting it, so for the safety of the workers, we will continue to be out there, enforcing it.”