Vancouver police launch crackdown on drivers talking on cellphones

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      The Vancouver Police Department ticketed 47 drivers on two days earlier this week for phoning or texting on an electronic device.

      According to a department statement, the officers were in "covert Crime Watch" vehicles when they were handing out the notices.

      Anyone found guilty of violating the provincial law against talking or texting on an electronic device while driving must pay a $167 fine.

      Last year, the department issued tickets to 9,722 drivers for using an electronic device while behind the wheel.

       

      Comments

      7 Comments

      Ronald Reggae

      Jun 8, 2014 at 9:50am

      And how about issuing tickets to those who drive while drinking a cup of coffee or a slurpee?

      Thomas Folkestone

      Jun 8, 2014 at 10:33am

      Finally, the VPD does something I can get behind.

      Mark

      Jun 8, 2014 at 11:32am

      I've seen some crazy drivers talking or texting on their cells and just flying on the Burrard and Cambie bridges.

      YES!!!

      Jun 8, 2014 at 12:21pm

      THANK GOD !!!! It's about time! But I have also seen officers driving while on their cell phones on 2 occasions. Once on West 8th and the other was trying to park on Granville street.

      Kiskatinawkid

      Jun 8, 2014 at 12:34pm

      $167! Oooooooh! That'll put an end to this stupidity. NOT! Distracted drivers (mostly due to cell phones) kill more people in this province than drunk drivers. Yet it seems we throw all kinds of resources at the drunken ones and barely nothing at the talking/texting ones. Gee, wouldn't have anything to do with votes would it? How about a $500 fine and 24 hour license suspension for the first offence. And then heavier penalties for subsequent offences. Then the lickspittle politicos can really claim to be taking it seriously.

      Vancouverite

      Jun 8, 2014 at 3:26pm

      The long arm of the law ALWAYS uses electronic devices that distracts them. Whether they are driving a car, bicycle, horse, or walking. Absolute hypocrisy!

      Mosby

      Jun 8, 2014 at 3:45pm

      If an average of 27 drivers per day were ticketed last year (9,722 divided by 365), how can 24 drivers per day (47 tickets in two days last week) be called a "crackdown"?

      This is a non-story, like a lot of other "news" these days.