Islanders are getting the message when it comes to the province’s new law on the use of cell phones while driving, thanks in no small part to the Island’s law enforcement agencies.
“From day one, the Island’s law enforcement community has been fully supportive of this new law,” says Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Ron MacKinley. “I want to thank them for the job they’re doing to educate drivers as everyone becomes accustomed to the new rules.”
On January 23 of this year, it became illegal to use hand held electronic communication devices while driving. Since that time, law enforcement officials have been taking a soft enforcement approach which focusses more on education rather than issuing fines. So far, dozens of warnings have been issued to drivers who needed to be reminded that the new law is in place. In the coming weeks, drivers can expect to start seeing fines issued if they are breaking the new law.
“The soft enforcement approach has been an excellent tool to help reinforce the dangers of distracted driving,” says Minister MacKinley. “Law enforcement officials will start issuing fines eventually. They have to power to do so now and they will if the situation warrants more than a warning.”
For more information on the province’s new cell phone law visit www.gov.pe.ca/cellphones.