BC Highway Patrol wrote 838 speeding tickets in the Kootenay region during October’s Drive Relative to Conditions campaign, down from 1,171 last year.
The drop of 333 tickets, about 28 per cent, was the largest percentage decline of any region in the province. The Kootenay region includes Revelstoke, Nelson, Cranbrook and Golden.
Provincewide, officers wrote 6,695 tickets during the campaign, almost 1,200 fewer than in 2025.
BC Highway Patrol said lower staffing levels appear to be one reason for the decline. Police said drivers are still reluctant to slow down in bad weather.
To make the point, police released video of an Oct. 25 traffic stop on Highway 97C near Merritt. An officer patrolling in wet snow and rain clocked a pickup coming out of the fog at 166 km/h in a 110 km/h zone.
BC Highway Patrol – Fog speeder gets impounded near Merritt – YouTube
The 28-year-old Abbotsford driver had the truck impounded for seven days. The driver was ticketed for excessive speeding and for failing to comply with an earlier order to have the truck inspected for mechanical modifications and defects. Police said the total cost, including fines, repairs and higher insurance premiums, will top $4,000.
“We ask all drivers to understand that posted speed limits are created for ideal, dry, clear, daytime conditions,” said Supt. Lori Orstad with BC Highway Patrol.
“Safe driving always starts with staying sober and alert, but you also need to slow down for poor weather, darkness, or heavy traffic — exactly the sort of conditions we see more in fall and winter.”
Police also urged pedestrians to put away their phones, wear bright or reflective clothing and obey traffic lights and crosswalk rules.
