Data shows 91.5% of drivers speed through Timmins roadway, police say

A Timmins police cruiser is seen in this file photo. (File)

Sudbury -

Recent traffic data collected by the Timmins Police Service found that 91.5 per cent of drivers are speeding when they travel of Harold Avenue, police said Thursday.

The study was conducted from June 8-15, and is part of a larger traffic study.

"The data has been broken down, studied and analyzed in order to bolster deployment of enforcement resources in this area," police said in a news release.

In all, 14,392 of 15,720 drivers whose speed was measured exceeded the speed limit.

"It was also noted that one driver elected by choice to drive at a speed of 127 km/h in this area," police said.

"Given the overall residential setting, this is clearly an exceptionally dangerous form of driving."

The area is a source of frequent complaints from the public, police said, including speeding, tailgating and other forms of aggressive driving.

"Local homeowners, pedestrians, parents of high school students, cyclists, and business owners who make daily use of Harold Avenue have long complained about vehicular traffic issues and the recent data gives credence to their point of view," the release said.

"In the past, traffic services officers and platoon officers from the Timmins Police Service have conducted regular targeted enforcement along this artery and have achieved some measure of improvement in compliance, however, it is clear that it is only a short-term effect."

In addition to other remedies being considered by the City of Timmins, police said enhanced and targeted enforcement efforts will continue as a public safety initiative.

"All forms of aggressive driving adversely affect our personal sense of safety," Sgt. Thomas Chypyha said in the release.

"Timmins police officers are consistently alert to unsafe driving behaviors while on patrol. These efforts are heightened during Canada Road Safety Week but the attitude of local drivers must be addressed in order for it to change for the better.”