Traffic enforcement escalating in North Bay

The North Bay Police has been ramping up its traffic enforcement this fall. 

In fact, Police Chief Daryl Longworth says they have seen a 165 per cent increase in the number of charges being laid across the board.  

"We have seen an 80 per cent increase increase in the number of traffic stops September to September comparisons from 2023 to 2024. I'm really encouraged, and it's motivating our officers to get out there," noted Longworth after the November Police Board meeting Tuesday morning at North Bay Police Headquarters. 

"We have tried, this past seven or eight months, since I've been here anyway, to have regular, focused, high visibility, targeted enforcement initiatives, and we will continue to do that."

See related: North Bay Police to rev up traffic enforcement

Longworth says they will be keying on distracted driving. 

He adds the service's hiring of a new traffic officer has helped. 

"By having another traffic officer and maybe some more resources, we can continue to do those very proactive, very forward-looking, and then not just about stopping people and charging people, but getting the message out to the community that we will be out there enforcing it, but the community plays a role as well," said Longworth.  

"Everybody's got to drive safe, everybody's got to slow down. Everybody's got to pay attention."