Police crack down on drivers using phones

Mounties issued several dozen tickets to drivers using a cell phone, or for not wearing a seatbelt, during an enforcement Tuesday in Kelowna.

The campaign used overt and undercover techniques to catch drivers in the act.

“Our traffic enforcement officers used several methods, including putting plain clothes spotters on busy streets in Kelowna,” stated Cpl. Jocelyn Noseworthy. “They would report their observations to a uniformed officer who would then be called in to conduct the traffic stop.”

Noseworthy says over the course of the afternoon 57 violation tickets were issued to drivers, including 38 for using an electronic device while driving, and 15 for failure to wear a seatbelt.

“Drivers need to remember that their focus should be on the road at all times. It’s a driver’s responsibility to be safe and responsible,” said Const. David Carter of the Kelowna RCMP Municipal Traffic Section. “We are always on the look out for unsafe drivers.”

The fine for using an electronic device while driving is $368 and 4 demerit points, while no seatbelt is $167.