Ghost cruisers help BC Highway Patrol catch speeding drivers

Ghost cruisers helped police catch two drivers travelling more than 70 km/h over the speed limit near Prince George in early October. The unmarked, fully equipped police vehicles have less-visible emergency lights and markings.

At about 5:40 p.m. on Oct. 1, a ghost cruiser stopped a white Dodge Ram 3500 on Highway 97 North, also known as the Hart Highway. Police said radar recorded the truck travelling 121 km/h in a 50 km/h zone. The driver was a 36-year-old Harrison Mills man.

At about 8:40 p.m. the following day, a ghost cruiser stopped a green Honda SUV on Highway 97 South near Pollard Road. Police said radar recorded the vehicle travelling 123 km/h in a 50 km/h zone. The driver, a 22-year-old Surrey man with a novice licence, was also served a three-month driving prohibition for previous offences.

Both drivers received:

• A $483 ticket for excessive speeding under Section 148(1) of the B.C. Motor Vehicle Act;
• Towing costs and a seven-day vehicle impound at the owner’s expense;
• At least three years of high-risk driver premiums and escalating insurance costs, bringing the total cost to at least $2,300.

The Surrey driver also received:

• A $109 ticket for failing to display an “N,” under Section 30.10(4) of the B.C. Motor Vehicle Act Regulations.

“It’s a hard enough job to work on our roads in fall and winter conditions,” says Sergeant Michael McLaughlin with BC Highway Patrol.

“The least we can all do is slow down and make the job a little safer for the people who maintain our highways.”