Police charge dozens in focused patrol in Berkeley

A focused patrol in the village of Berkeley in the Township of Chatsworth led to dozens of charges against motorists.

Police recently conducted the initiative after police received several complaints from local residents about motorists speeding through the village on Highway 10, often at highway speeds, Grey Bruce OPP said in a news release.

There is a reduced speed of 50 kilometres per hour in the village, with 80 km/h speed limits north and south of the community.

Officers dedicated several hours to the initiative with 38 provincial offences notices handed out. There was one stunt driving charge for going at least 50 km/h above the posted speed limit, one motorist charged under the Cannabis Control Act and one suspended driver charged. A total of 17 warnings were also issued to motorists.

“There are obvious concerns for children playing in the areas, as well as pedestrians walking, cyclists and other road users,” the release said. “There is also a multi-use trail (former rail line) that passes through the village, which offers access to walkers, hikers, bikers, all-terrain vehicles and snowmobile users.”