An eight-month driving suspension, a driver who complained insurance was too expensive and an immediate 90-day roadside driving prohibition are only a few highlights from Richmond RCMP's traffic enforcement report for January.
The eight-month driving suspension was given to a BMW owner after he was caught by Richmond RCMP driving alone with only a learner’s licence.
The owner of the pink BMW M4, who was stopped near Cooney and Spires roads, also had an “extensive driving record” and recent convictions, according to RCMP.
In addition to the driving suspension, the driver received three charges: driving without a supervisor, failing to display an “L” sign and failing to change his address with ICBC.
Meanwhile, another driver complained to police that car insurance was “too expensive” and, because he doesn’t drive much, he didn’t buy any.
After being caught by Richmond RCMP driving his Tesla near Ackroyd Road and Minoru Boulevard, his car was towed home and his plates confiscated. He was also given a violation ticket for driving without insurance.
Another driver was given a 90-day roadside suspension after driving his truck erratically. When police stopped the truck, they saw the man in the driver’s seat. However, after some shuffling, a woman moved into the driver’s seat.
The RCMP officer asked the man to step out of the car and demanded a breath sample, which, RCMP said, registered as a “fail.”
In addition to the driving ban, he received a $500 ticket, 10 demerit points and a $276 ticket for not having his driver’s licence, which resulted in another three demerit points.
Furthermore, his truck was impounded for 30 days – for which he’ll have to pay towing and storage costs.
In January, Richmond RCMP officers issued 832 traffic violation tickets and targeted high-risk driving.
The violation tickets included 187 for speeding, 64 for distracted driving and 34 for impaired drug or alcohol infractions.
On Jan. 22, officers organized a distracted driving enforcement operation at No. 3 and Cambie roads. This location was selected because of the high volume of pedestrians, traffic and commuter traffic to a transit station, RCMP said.
The two-hour operation resulted in 10 charges laid, including a conviction for a ride-share operator driving on the sidewalk.
Additional enforcement conducted at high-priority intersections focused on distracted drivers, occupant restraint violations and intersection enforcement “in an effort to change driver behaviour and create a safer road environment.”
Due to an increase in collisions, RCMP officers are conducting additional enforcement in February along Steveston Highway between No. 4 and No. 5 roads and on No. 3 Road between Cambie Road and Westminster Highway.
Long-time RCMP officer retires
Cpl. Peter Somerville, a Richmond RCMP officer, retired in January after 31 years on the force.
"Known for his mentorship and dedication to road safety, Cpl. Somerville leaves behind a legacy of contributions, including the development of RCMP Motorcycle course standards and curricula," RCMP said in a press release.
In his retirement, Somerville plans to continue serving the Richmond RCMP Road Safety Unit as a reserve constable.
"We thank you for your service, Cpl. Somerville!" said the RCMP.
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