Surrey Police Service (SPS), Delta Police Department (DPD) and Metro Vancouver Transit Police (MVTP) are partnering with the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) on Tuesday, May 13 for Project Swoop, a one-day education and enforcement campaign that focuses on dangerous driving behaviours, as a part of the provincial speed campaign.

“Too many lives have been lost due to reckless driving and speeding, particularly in summer when more people are out on highways,” said Garry Begg, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “Campaigns like Project Swoop are important reminders that slowing down saves lives. I want to thank the officers, volunteers and community partners working together to help keep our roads safe.”

For Project Swoop on May 13th, SPS, DPD and MVTP’s traffic enforcement officers, along with Surrey Crime Prevention Speed Watch Volunteers, will be driving and setting up across multiple locations along the Highway 10 corridor in Surrey and Ladner Trunk Road in Delta. The officers and volunteers will be monitoring drivers and highlighting that speed and high-risk driving behaviours are dangerous, and they increase your risk of crashing.

"Reducing your speed can prevent crashes and save lives," says Karen Klein, ICBC road safety and community coordinator. "Driving faster increases the time and distance you need to stop, so this spring and summer, slow down and take your time. By working together, we can create safer roads for everyone."

“Delta Police wants to remind drivers that they control their driving habits. Let’s all focus on the safety of all road users to ensure everyone arrives at their destination safely,” says Staff Sergeant Mike Whiteley, media relations officer for Delta Police.

“Speeding is the top contributor to fatal and serious car crashes in British Columbia and Surrey. Speeding, like impaired driving, is preventable and we want people to slow down,” says Inspector Earl Andersen, SPS Road Safety Section. “With the busy summer season around the corner, we encourage drivers to slow down, give themselves extra time, be courteous, and watch out for children playing, pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, and other vehicles.”

“Everyone deserves to have a safe transit journey, and that includes pedestrian safety when crossing busy roads to reach the bus or train. That’s why we are proud to work with our policing partners on such an important initiative,” says Sergeant Dustin Szakacs, media relations officer for MVTP.

Media Opportunity:

• Where: Panorama Village, 15127 BC-10 in Surrey (northwest corner at Highway 10 and 152^nd Street)
• When:  Tuesday, May 13 – 10:00 to 10:30 am
• Who:     Representatives from SPS, DPD and ICBC will be available to speak to media

For more information on road safety and the consequences of high-risk driving, please go to Speed on the ICBC website. Additional information about road safety can be found on the Surrey Police Service website: Traffic and Road Safety and on the Delta Police Department website: Traffic Safety Unit.