Speeding Ticket Prices Are Up; Almost 5000 Issued

MJ Independent

A lot of people in Saskatchewan seem to be in a rush. That resulted in 4,873 people being caught speeding in the month of April.

As of May 1st, Speeding fines are more expensive now than they have been in the past. The base fine has been raised by $30 and the km/h charge for travelling in excess of a posted speed has doubled, as well. So now, exceeding the speed limit by 20 km/h on a regular street or highway triggers a total fine of $190, including the Victims of Crime surcharge and km/h charges. In a school zone, 20 km/h over the limit costs you $310. If you speed past workers in a 60 km/h orange zone, it will cost you $440 for going 80, and $1,008 for going 100.

SGI is hoping these raised fines will be incentive for people to slow down.

Tyler McMurchy, Media Relations Manager at SGI said that "excessive speed is one of the leading factors in traffic-related deaths and injuries. If you speed, you’re more likely to get into a collision, and the faster your speed, the worse the collision."

Also in April, police also issued tickets for other traffic infractions including:
516 distracted driving offences (426 for cellphone use)
269 impaired driving offences (including 265 Criminal Code charges)                                           323 offences regarding seatbelts/child car seats      

And, throughout the month of May Police will continue their focus on impaired driving and drivers.

"it’s currently illegal and will continue to be illegal to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, even once marijuana use becomes legal in Canada later this year" McMurchy added.