Traffic Safety

Traffic enforcement and traffic safety is the responsibility of the patrol section of the Oak Bay Police Department. Despite not having police members dedicated solely to traffic enforcement, a considerable amount of time and resources is spent by the patrol section ensuring the streets of Oak Bay are safe.

The Oak Bay Police are committed to reducing traffic collisions, facilitating the safe and efficient flow of vehicle and pedestrian traffic and increase of voluntary compliance of all traffic regulations in the community.

A significant component of the Oak Bay Police’s partnership approach to traffic safety involves a close relationship with other agencies, including the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia.

The Oak Bay Police recognize the importance addressing community traffic concerns. In concert with the Oak Bay Municipal Engineering Department, all traffic complaints are given the highest priority. Through data collected by the Engineering Department and enforcement surveys, an appropriate course of action is developed. Some of the solutions might include traffic calming, signage, public education and increased police enforcement.

If you have a traffic related concern in your neighborhood, you are encouraged to email the Oak Bay Police Department or phone (250) 592-2424.

Speed Watch

The Speed Watch program has been in operation in British Columbia since the early 1990s. It is an education program designed to raise public awareness of the speed problem on our roads.

The program is operated by volunteers who are trained by the police to use portable radar equipment and electronic digital boards (speed reader boards) provided by ICBC.

The program is operated by volunteers who are trained by the police to use portable radar equipment and electronic digital boards (speed reader boards) provided by ICBC.

Volunteers operate speed reader boards in various locations throughout the province including residential, school and playground areas.

Speed Watch helps address traffic problems through:

• police awareness
• public and community education
• neighbourhood action
• traffic calming
• the collection of speed-related data.

There are 70 active Speed Watch groups throughout B.C.

There are more than 2,400 Speed Watch volunteers in B.C.

In 2003, Speed Watch volunteers logged more than 31,000 total hours and checked almost 2.4 million vehicles.

New volunteers are welcome. If you are interested in contributing your time and becoming a member of the Oak Bay Speed Watch Program please contact Cst. Rob Smith.

SPEED WATCH TRAILER

Speed Watch is primarily an educational program aimed at reducing speeding. Through the use of a radar system and large electronic display panel, this mobile trailer is designed to provide instant feedback of vehicle speed compared to the posted speed limit, raising public awareness and driver sensitivity to the actual speeds experienced on Oak Bay streets and roadways.

The Speed Watch trailer targets certain locations such as construction and school zones. In addition to the areas deemed to be of concern by the City, this trailer is available to community and schools  on a first come, first serve basis, and placed by members of the Oak Bay Police Department for a period of up to one week.

Any member of the public who is interested in seeing the speed watch trailer placed near a school or construction zone in their area will need to make their request through Sgt. Ray Maxwell.