Spring Traffic Blitzes in BC

Every spring without fail police in BC announce seasonal enforcement blitzes. Surrey’s latest campaign is no exception. The Surrey police announced a one-day enforcement blitz focused on three offences: electronic device, speeding, and red-light violations. But is it really a crackdown? Because it seems like more of a photo op.

Let’s start with red-light offences. While the police name them as a focus, red-light tickets handed out by police officers in BC are vanishingly rare. Most enforcement relies on intersection cameras, and even those are only active at select locations. It’s hard to believe red-light running is a priority when tickets are so scarce.

Speeding is a significant concern. Speed traps are uncommon, however. We see them occasionally where the limit suddenly drops or is set unexpectedly low. As for distracted driving / electronic device tickets officers seem to favour standing at intersections, wandering among a line of cars. But these methods mostly net low-hanging fruit—drivers creeping forward at a red light with a phone in their hand, not the truly dangerous behaviour people imagine when they hear “distracted driving crackdown.”

The issue is inconsistency. Enforcement across the Lower Mainland varies wildly. One city may set up traps regularly, while the next barely does any targeted traffic work at all. The result? Drivers don’t change their behaviour long term. People adapt to known hotspots and carry on elsewhere, which makes enforcement ineffective as a safety initiative.

We’re not saying education is bad. In fact, sustained education can change behaviour. But the idea that a one-day blitz will solve what have now become deep-rooted traffic issues is almost laughable. Until enforcement is fair, consistent, and focused on the dangerous, these blitzes do little more than placate local politicians who occasionally turn their mind to traffic safety.

If you’ve been caught in one of these crackdowns—especially for a cell phone offence or a questionable speeding ticket—we can help. Contact BC Driving Lawyers to speak to an experienced advocate who knows how to challenge unfair or fickle enforcement.