The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) has launched new, dedicated traffic enforcement units in a targeted effort to curb dangerous driving behaviours across the city. The initiative, which began active enforcement this week, aims to address a persistent rise in speeding, aggressive driving, and other high-risk actions on Ottawa's roadways.
Focus on High-Risk Corridors and Behaviours
Sergeant Josh Callaghan of the OPS Road Safety Unit was observed conducting speed enforcement on Mer-Bleue Road on January 8, 2025, highlighting the unit's operational focus. The new teams are being deployed to areas with historically high collision rates or frequent community complaints about traffic safety. Their mandate goes beyond simple speeding tickets to include targeting distracted driving, aggressive maneuvers, and other violations that significantly increase the risk of serious collisions.
The formation of these specialized units represents a strategic shift towards proactive, intelligence-led traffic policing. Instead of relying solely on general patrol officers, the OPS is dedicating specific resources to monitor and enforce traffic laws in problem areas consistently. This approach allows for more sustained pressure on drivers who habitually flout the rules of the road.
A Response to Community Concerns
The decision to create focused traffic units comes after repeated calls from residents and community associations for stronger action on road safety. Many neighbourhoods have reported vehicles travelling at excessively high speeds on residential streets, running stop signs, and engaging in street racing. The police service has stated that the goal is not merely to issue citations but to modify driver behaviour and create a tangible deterrent through visible enforcement.
Officers in these units utilize a combination of marked and unmarked vehicles, laser speed measurement devices, and in-car video systems to document violations. The emphasis is on enforcing laws that protect vulnerable road users, including pedestrians and cyclists, and reducing the severity and frequency of preventable accidents.
Long-Term Safety Objectives
While immediate enforcement is a key component, the Ottawa Police Service indicates that the program also has an educational element. Data collected by the units will help identify specific trends and times for dangerous driving, allowing for better resource allocation and potential infrastructure changes in consultation with the city's transportation department.
The ultimate measure of success for the new traffic units will be a reduction in injury and fatal collisions. By concentrating efforts on the most dangerous driving behaviours in the most problematic locations, the OPS aims to foster a greater culture of compliance and safety among all road users. The service plans to provide periodic updates to the public on the units' activities and their impact on community safety metrics.
