Project NoiseMaker, a traffic safety initiative aimed at reducing speeding, stunt driving and excessive noise on city streets. The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) Traffic Unit has launched the project in response to community complaints, to reduce the number of collisions, injuries and deaths on our city streets.
“Ottawa streets are not meant to be treated as anyone’s personal race track,” said Ottawa Police Traffic Unit Sgt. Rob Cairns. “Officers will be out during the daytime, evenings and weekends to ensure everyone, especially families and children, are safe on our roads and in their neighbourhoods.”
This is the second year for the program. In the 2020 edition of the project, officers stopped an average of 10 stunt drivers each week and issued 2,300 tickets including approximately 1400 for speeding.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, there has been an increase in unsafe activity on Ottawa roads. Since April 1st, the OPS issued over 4,000 Provincial Offence Notices (PON). One such incident involved a driver that was stopped and charged for a fourth time for stunt driving. A stunt driving charge is laid when a driver or rider is going 50km/h or more over the posted limit. They face a significant fine (starting at $2,000), a 7-day vehicle seizure a 7-day driving suspension and a court date.
Excessive/unnecessary noise is typically generated from aftermarket modifications to vehicle muffler and exhaust systems. Fines for an improper muffler are $110. However, if the vehicle has a modified exhaust and is missing emissions control equipment, a fine of $365 can be issued under the Environmental Protection Act. OPS officers have the authority to serve such fines, and the equipment to detect violations.
This year’s traffic enforcement results and safety messages will be featured on multiple social media platforms under the themes of #GetThereWithCare #MuffleTheMuffler #NoiseMaker. Dangerous driving that represents an immediate danger to public safety should be reported to 911. Other traffic safety complaints can be made online.
Comentários