MISSISSAUGA: The Ontario government is investing $410,000 in surveillance technology to help Peel Regional Police deter aggressive driving and gun and gang violence along with two of Canada’s busiest highways.
By strengthening the Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) surveillance system along Highways 410 and 403 police officers will be able to swiftly identify and stop dangerous driving and other criminal activity.
“Speeding, street racing, and stunt driving are criminal activities that undermine communities and put innocent lives at risk,” said Solicitor General Sylvia Jones.
“With this investment, Peel Police will be better equipped to keep roads and communities safe by tracking and apprehending offenders.”
According to Peel Regional Police Service, many of the aggressive driving incidents occurring within their jurisdiction have been linked to the gun and gang-related violence and organized crime activities.
Peel Regional Police Chief, Nishan Duraiappah said: “Tragically, this year alone in our community, 36 lives have been lost as a result of traffic fatalities.
“The primary cause of these incidents is aggressive and impaired driving. This is an unacceptable risk to our community which has rippling effects on our collective safety and well-being.”
“Peel Region has also experienced a gun and gang violence on our roadways resulting in multiple homicides some of which have involved unintended victims.” This investment builds on the $6 million provided through the new Ontario CCTV Grant program over the next three years to help expand CCTV surveillance systems in more municipalities throughout the province.
“Ontario has some of the toughest penalties in North America when it comes to street racing and stunt driving and our message is simple: we have zero tolerance for these reckless behaviors,” said Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation.
“Improving the technology and information available to Ontario’s police and prosecutors is critical to deterring unlawful activity and holding offenders accountable in our communities,” said Attorney General Doug Downey.
• Aggressive driving behaviors are subject to roadside impoundments and suspensions, fines of up to $10,000, six demerit points, post-conviction license suspension and possible jail time.
• Provincewide, 52 percent more stunt driving and street racing charges were laid during the COVID-19 period (8,209 charges), from March 2020 to August 2020, compared to the same time period in 2019 (5,426 charges laid). The largest spike in dangerous driving offenses occurred in May, when 95 percent more charges were laid in 2020.