Police have issued nearly two traffic fines a day as they maintain a strong presence on local roads.
According to the latest update from the Elk Valley RCMP, officers wrote 40 violation tickets pursuant to the Motor Vehicle Act between January 24 and February 14.
They also intercepted five impaired drivers, who received either a 30-day or 90-day immediate roadside prohibition.
A number of tickets were issued to a logging truck driver after a set of wheels caught fire and broke free from the trailer near the Hosmer bridge.
The Fernie and Hosmer fire departments attended the scene to douse the blaze, while police and commercial vehicle safety enforcement caught up with the truck in Fernie moments later.
There were no injuries and the trailer was towed.
Elk Valley RCMP Detachment Media Relations Officer Cst. Debra Katerenchuk said police will continue to maintain a strong presence on roads.
“Of special note are recent changes to the Criminal Code concerning impaired driving enforcement,” she said.
“Of these changes is the ability for police to conduct mandatory roadside alcohol screening for all persons operating a motor vehicle.”
The RCMP received 226 calls for service from Jan. 24 to Feb. 14.
There were 16 motor vehicle collisions, including eight from February 11-15, as well as one assault, five disturbances, seven mischief related incidents, six thefts, and several instances of threats, fraud and harassment. One person reported missing was found.
The RCMP has reminded motorists to be mindful when refuelling.
“Please ensure you do not leave the pump unattended and remember to obtain your gas card once fuelling is completed,” said Cst. Katerenchuk.
Businesses are also advised to avoid using open wifi for banking and other sensitive transactions.
There have been two reported fraudulent e-transfer incidents, where the businesses were connected to wifi and banking information was obtained and used fraudulently.
“Please remember to shut down all transactions on your computers at the end of the business day,” said Cst. Katerenchuk.