**TEMISKAMING OPP NEWS RELEASE**

The Temiskaming Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) would like to remind motorists of the importance of slowing down in construction zones. Numerous complaints have been received of excessive speed and drivers not stopping for the traffic controllers on Highway 11, approximately 13 kilometres south of Temagami, Ontario. 

 

This stretch of roadway is a construction zone and while it is a highway, it is still an area where drivers need to slow down. Many drivers travel in and out of the area and all drivers need to be aware of their surroundings as well as their ability to stop quickly.

 

Many of the road signs posted in construction zones are identified by bright orange background and motorists are well advised to follow the warnings. Other signs such as yield, stop and lane signs remain legally enforceable including any portable or temporary traffic lights. Also, let’s not forget the traffic control people, more commonly known as ‘flag persons’. These traffic controllers, are authorized under the Highway Traffic Act to direct traffic safely through a work zone by displaying a hand-held stop sign or cautionary ‘slow’ sign.

 

Section 146 of the Highway Traffic Act makes it an offence for drivers to disobey the lawful signals given by the traffic control person or disobeying the portable signs that are set up in construction zones. Offending motorists could be ticketed by police anywhere from $85 to $400 plus surcharges and receive demerit points for their careless actions.

 

Drivers are being asked to drive cautiously and allow extra time for construction delays before setting out their destination. Remember, construction is a short-term effort to build safer highways in the long-term. Please be alert to what’s in front of you and let’s all do our part to avoid any unfortunate road incident.

 

The OPP will be visible and performing traffic enforcement in this area as well as all other construction zones to make sure that drivers are being compliant to the rules of the road.

Filed under: Local News