On Friday September 4,  Nanaimo RCMP officers, supported by Air 8 and regional policing partners from Oceanside and Comox, conducted a targeted traffic enforcement initiative targeting high risk drivers. 

The campaign resulted in over 100 charges under the Motor Vehicle Act, nine warnings, one Immediate Roadside Prohibition (IRP), and one criminal investigation for dangerous operation and driving while prohibited. Ten (10) vehicles were impounded during the operation. Speeding accounted for the majority of violations, including six for excessive speed tickets. (see attached chart)

Air 8 provided aerial support from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., assisting officers in locating several high-risk riders operating motorcycles and e-bikes in a dangerous manner (stunting and driving erratically). The helicopter's observations enabled officers on the ground to safely intercept and remove multiple unsafe vehicles, including the motorcycles and E-bikes from Nanaimo roads.

In one notable incident, Air 8 assisted in tracking a motorcycle rider observed travelling at a high rate of speed, weaving through traffic, and passing vehicles unlawfully on both shoulders. The rider was subsequently located and arrested at a residence in Nanaimo. The motorcycle was impounded and criminal Code charges for Dangerous Operation and Driving While Prohibited are being pursued.

"The results of this enforcement initiative demonstrate our commitment to keeping Nanaimo's roads safe by targeting dangerous driving behaviours that put the public at risk," said Supt. Eric Rochette, Officer in Charge of the Nanaimo RCMP. "Through strong collaboration with Air 8 and our policing partners, several high-risk drivers were located and removed from our roads before someone was seriously injured.