Leduc County peace officers continue to see a reduced number of traffic charges laid over the May long weekend.
“Optimistically I think folks know by now we are proactive on the long weekend. If people know we’re around they’ll take more precaution,” said Clarence Nelson, director of protective services.
He says the dreary weather could also be a factor of the reduced numbers.
Over the course of the long weekend, county peace officers travelled almost 6,000 kilometers, issued 81 charges and 41 warnings for offences such as speeding, seat belt infractions and liquor violations.
Nelson says last year the county peace officers laid 152 charges and 161 in 2014. “If you look at our stats it’s continually gone down, it’s an ongoing trend. Every year we’ve been out there it’s been less people needing to be charged.”
“In my eyes our proactive approach seems to be working,” he added.
Secondary highways 814 and 795 were hot spots over the long weekend but Nelson says those two areas tend to cause traffic concerns year round.
A number of excessive speeders were charged, including one travelling approximately double the posted 80-zone along a gravel road.
A press release issued by the county adds, “Two fatal collisions occurred in Leduc County over the weekend, both of which are being investigated by local RCMP.”
Alcohol bans in parks also help with over all alcohol issues during the long weekend — and not just those involved in traffic — says Nelson.