Rural Ontario roads aren’t racetracks, OPP warn after string of out-of-town speeding charges

Drivers heading to Dufferin County’s scenic countryside are being warned that rural roads are “not a free-for-all” after a string of out-of-town motorists were charged with stunt driving and other serious traffic offences over the past several weeks.

The Dufferin detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police says most of the recent motorists charged came from outside the county, prompting officers to remind visitors that speed limits apply just as much on country roads as they do on busy city streets.

“People out for a drive in these scenic settings have to remember there are rules and speed limits,” an OPP representative said.

“Just because there is not as much traffic as there is in the city, doesn’t mean you can drive as fast as you want. It’s not a free-for-all and these roads are not racetracks.”

Police say excessive speed continues to be a major contributor to serious collisions and appears to be an increasing problem on the county’s roads.

“This seems to be an increasing problem as excessive speeds are dangerous,” the spokesperson added. “And to let drivers know, our officers are out there and if you are driving recklessly or over the speed limit we will catch you.”

The recent charges highlight that many of those stopped were visitors travelling through the area.

On Canada Day, a Brampton driver was allegedly clocked travelling 132 km/h in an 80 km/h zone on County Road 109 in Amaranth. The driver was charged with stunt driving and speeding.

On July 8, an Ajax driver was stopped travelling 116 km/h in a posted 60 km/h zone on County Road 17 in Melancthon Township. Police charged the driver with stunt driving, speeding and failing to surrender a vehicle permit.

The following day, a Mississauga driver was allegedly travelling 116 km/h in a 60 km/h community safety zone on 3rd Line in Melancthon Township. The driver was charged with stunt driving and speeding.

Later that day, a North York driver was stopped after allegedly travelling 132 km/h in an 80 km/h zone on Highway 10 in Melancthon Township. In addition to stunt driving and speeding, police charged the driver with passing when the roadway was not clear.

Police also responded to a traffic complaint on Highway 10 in Mono on July 3, where a Creemore driver was charged with careless driving and operating a vehicle without insurance.

Under Ontario’s stunt driving laws, each driver charged with stunt driving had their vehicle immediately sidelined, with police impounding and towing the vehicles from the scene.

Located about an hour northwest of Toronto, Dufferin County is known for its rolling hills, winding country roads, conservation areas and popular attractions, including Mono Cliffs Provincial Park, Hockley Valley Resort, the Bruce Trail and numerous farm markets. During the summer, thousands of motorists travel through the county to enjoy the scenery, making traffic enforcement a priority for the OPP.

Police say drivers should not mistake quieter rural roads for roads where traffic laws are relaxed.

The Dufferin OPP says officers will continue proactive enforcement throughout the county and is reminding both residents and visitors to obey posted speed limits, drive according to road and weather conditions and make responsible choices behind the wheel.