Drivers still not ready for winter: West Kelowna RCMP
A traffic blitz focusing on tire requirements along Highway 97 in West Kelowna resulted in multiple fines.
The West Kelowna RCMP, in partnership with BC Highway Patrol, hit the road Oct. 10, 2023, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. for the third year in a row. They inspected 400 vehicles that were travelling down the Okanagan connector highway, according to an RCMP release.
The inspections resulted in one commercial vehicle facing a 90-day Immediate Roadside Prohibition, four commercial vehicles taken out of service due to alcohol and drug violations and six commercial vehicles fined for violations and turnarounds including inadequate tire treads and travelling without winter tires and chains. 16 personal vehicles were also turned away for having insufficient tire tread or not using appropriate winter tires or chains.
"This marks the third consecutive year and I am astonished how many individuals fail to adhere to these simple rules that are in place to ensure the safety of everyone on our roadways,” said Const. Mike Della-Paolera, Media Relations Officer with the Kelowna Regional RCMP in the release.
During the blitz, officers went to two elementary school zones where five drivers were fined for speeding and nine warnings were issued, including seat belt violations.
The release reminds residents that winter tires or chains are required on most BC highways from Oct. 1, 2023, to Apr. 20, 2024. These tires must have the “M” and “S” letters (for Mud and Snow) or the mountain peak with a snowflake icon. Tires must also have a minimum of 3.5 mm of tread depth.
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