April Road Report highlights targeted enforcement and e-scooter safety

Richmond

2025-05-16 11:39 PDT

Richmond RCMP officers issued 833 traffic violation tickets during the month of April, part of an ongoing commitment to targeted enforcement and promoting road safety for all road users.

Richmond RCMP Road Safety Unit (RSU) continued to focus on targeting unsafe driving behaviours, while continuing enforcement, community outreach and education, particularly around e-scooter, bicycle, and pedestrian safety.

Key categories of offenses included:

• Speeding: 232
• Distracted driving: 69
• Impaired drug/alcohol infractions: 29
• Vehicle-related infractions: 184
• Driver licence infractions: 164

Targeted enforcement areas:

RSU officers conducted targeted enforcement in the following areas identified through police collision data and intelligence:

• No. 3 Road between Capstan Way and Bennett Road
• Steveston Hwy and Gilbert Road
• 21000 block of River Road
• St. Edwards road and Cambie Road
• No 1 Road corridor

Enforcement highlights:

• Dog on the run: On April 4th, while en route to a scheduled enforcement shift, Cst. Vander Helm took an unusual suspect into custody: a runaway dog named Pluto. The officer intercepted the loose dog who was running into traffic with his leash trailing behind, and was able to contact the owner listed on the dog’s tag, ensuring a safe reunion.

• April 12th morning speed blitz: In a span of 3 hours RSU officers impounded seven vehicles for Excessive Speed (40 km/h or more over the limit), with fines ranging from $368 to $483 and mandatory minimum 7-day impoundments.
• High-speed impound: On April 21st, an RSU officer recorded a vehicle travelling 150 km/h in a 90 km/h zone on Hwy 91 near the exit to Annacis Island. The driver was charged with Excessive Speed, and the vehicle was impounded. The stop also revealed an illegal tint on the vehicle windows, and a further charge was laid with a 30-day notice to remove the tint.

Looking ahead: May is focused on speed and high-risk driving

May is high-risk driving awareness month. RSU will increase enforcement targeting speed and unsafe driver behaviour. Officers remind all drivers to slow down, adjust for conditions, and obey posted speed limits.

Reminders for cyclists and e-scooters:

• Sidewalks are for pedestrians.
• Always wear a helmet
• Fines for sidewalk operation begin at $109.00.

See previous news release: Richmond RCMP reminds public: E-Scooter and bike riders must keep sidewalks safe for pedestrians (April 17, 2025).

To further our safety and outreach efforts, Richmond RCMP is partnering with the City of Richmond and ICBC for an upcoming E-Scooter Skills and Safety Clinic on June 14th at the Lansdowne Centre northwest parking lot from 10 am – 2 pm. The clinic is designed to offer hands-on learning experiences for e-scooter enthusiasts and newcomers alike, focusing on skill development, safe riding practices, and legal requirements. No registration is required.

To learn more about e-scooter and e-bike rules in Richmond visit the City of Richmond website. For cycling regulations, restrictions, and rules visit the Government of British Columbia website.

Quote from Sergeant Eric Baskette, Richmond RCMP Road Safety Unit:

Our officers are seeing increased conflict between pedestrians and e-scooter riders. Unless marked as a shared pathway, sidewalks are not for scooters or bikes, they’re for pedestrians. We’re enforcing this because there’s a real risk of harm. We’re asking all riders to do their part by staying off sidewalks and following the rules.

Engage with us:

All road users in Richmond are encouraged to stay informed through our monthly road reports on the Richmond RCMP newsroom. For more safety tips and updates, follow us on social media and download the City of Richmond Community Safety App.

Released by:

Email: richmond_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Website: richmond.rcmp.ca

Follow Us: