[UPDATED] Twenty-three vehicles were impounded Thursday for speeding on the Malahat during the morning commute.
The speed sting was conducted by the Integrated Road Safety Unit just before a long weekend that is expected to see heavy highway use.
In a one-hour period, 10 motorists were ticketed $368 each for excessive speeding — defined as driving more than 40 kilometres per hour over the posted speed limit of 80 km/h.
The vehicles’ speeds were captured in a southbound overtaking stretch of the Malahat just south of Aspen Road. Motorists were pulled over on a single-lane stretch known as Peden Straight a few kilometres short of Goldstream Park.
Motorists who drive more than 45 km/h over the speed limit will see their vehicles impounded for a week for a total bill reaching almost $1,000.
In a second hour of enforcement further north on the highway at the busy turn-off for Shawnigan Lake Road, an additional 13 vehicles were impounded for excessive speeding, including two motorcycles and one car that had a child in the front seat.
Colleen Woodger, road co-ordinator for Insurance Corporation of B.C., said posted speed limits are for days like today when the roads are dry and visibility is good.
“When you’re seeing high-risk behaviours [including speeding] like we’re seeing today, that increases your risks significantly for a crash,” Woodger said. “It’s pretty shocking behaviour today and we’re really glad we’re able to connect with those drivers and remind them of that.”
An average of 12 people are killed in speed-related crashes every year on Vancouver Island.
ceharnett@timescolonist.com
