If you're speeding over the Malahat, you'd better be prepared to hand over your keys.
The Capital Regional District's Integrated Road Safety Unit was out in full force today cracking down on lead-footed drivers traveling on the Malahat this morning.
Officers impounded 23 vehicles due to excessive speeding - defined as travelling more than 40 kilometres per hour above the posted limit - and handed those drivers a minimum fine of $368. Vehicles were lined up and towed off the highway. Drivers won't be seeing them again for at least seven days and until additional fees are paid.
The top speed of the day was clocked at 152 km/h in an 80 km/h zone.
Staff Sgt. James Anderson, CRD-IRSU unit commander, said officers were "disappointed with the amount of excessive speeders apprehended. This is a record amount of vehicle seizures for excessive speeding for an enforcement blitz."
He added, "It shows that Malahat speeding is somewhat epidemic and this type of driving behaviour is a recipe for disaster on our roadways should a collision occur as a result of aggressive driving."
Officers also handed out 49 speeding tickets to those that weren't quite traveling at excessive speeds but were still above the posted limits. Those tickets ranged from roughly $140 to $200 fines. Nine other tickets were handed out for violations such as not having a front license plate and not having valid insurance.
One driver also had their vehicle towed after submitting to a breath test. They were issued a 24-hour suspension.
All of these traffic violations occurred between 5:30 and 10:30 a.m.
"Officers of CRD-IRSU will be keeping a close eye on the Malahat during the busy travel season and enforcement can occur at any time and day for the foreseeable future," Anderson said.
katie@goldstreamgazette.com