Released on June 2, 2014
Saskatchewan people will be safer on provincial roadways with the introduction of two new Dedicated Traffic Safety Enforcement Units. Each unit will consist of 30 officers, 15 from existing provincially funded positions and 15 new officers funded by SGI. The two units will begin operating in central and southeast Saskatchewan.“New legislation with a focus on harsher penalties for impaired driving, distracted driving and excessive speed takes effect in the province on June 27,” Minister responsible for SGI Donna Harpauer said. “Strong and visible enforcement are essential to make the new legislation effective.”
“Saskatchewan has one of the worst rates of injury and collisions on highways,” Corrections and Policing Minister Christine Tell said. “With 60 more officers dedicated to enforcing the new laws, drivers will have additional encouragement to change behaviours that could result in a traffic collision, making our roads safer for all road users.”
Under government’s targeted policing initiative, 30 of the 125 existing police positions will be dedicated to traffic safety. This aligns with the mutually agreed upon priorities between the government and provincial police leaders. The RCMP will dedicate 25 officers and the Saskatoon Police Service will provide five officers.
"Increased traffic safety of our roadways is critical to ensure the safety of our citizens,” RCMP Division Assistant Commissioner Brenda Butterworth-Carr said. “Our provincial traffic safety strategy is focused on fostering key partnerships, creating public awareness, and enhancing enforcement efforts. At the end of the day, we are all working toward the common goal of keeping our roadways safe."
“The Dedicated Traffic Safety Enforcement Units will use data and analysis to focus on a number of behaviors that cause traffic fatalities,” Saskatoon Police Service Chief Clive Weighill said. “These focuses will include impaired driving, distracted driving, excessive speed and intersection safety.”
The Dedicated Traffic Safety Enforcement Units were developed as a result of two recommendations from the Saskatchewan Legislature all-party traffic safety report.
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For more information, contact:
Janice Wilby
Justice
Regina
Phone: 306-787-8621
Email: janice.wilby@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-527-0363
Kelley Brinkworth
Saskatchewan Government Insurance
Regina
Phone: 306-751-1837
Email: kbrinkworth@sgicanada.ca