New OPS Traffic Units already delivering results in Ottawa neighbourhoods

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, January 7, 2026        2:45 p.m.

(Ottawa) – The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) is highlighting early results from its newly launched District Traffic Units and Road Safety Unit, which began operating last month to address ongoing community concerns about traffic safety across the city.

Since launching, the Units have been active in neighbourhoods, targeting dangerous driving behaviours such as impaired driving, speeding, and driving without a valid licence - all issues residents consistently raise as top concerns.

In the first weeks of operation, officers conducted multiple targeted enforcement initiatives, including RIDE programs, joint district traffic blitzes, and speed enforcement operations. These efforts have resulted in numerous charges and suspensions, including impaired driving, stunt driving, and driving while suspended.

Recent enforcement highlights include: 

• New Year’s Eve RIDE initiative, conducted in partnership with OPS members, where one novice driver registered a blood alcohol concentration resulting in a three-day suspension, and another driver was charged under the Cannabis Control Act. 
• Road Safety Unit officers worked alongside District Traffic officers from the East, South, and West districts in a joint automated licence plate recognition (ALPR) traffic blitz that resulted in dozens of charges for unlicensed and uninsured driving, including one driver who had been suspended since 2020.
• Road Safety Unit officers and West District Traffic officers conducted speed enforcement that led to 16 Provincial Offence Notices, including nine speeding charges, three stunt driving charges, and one charge for driving while suspended. One of the stunt driving incidents involved an 18-year-old travelling 125 km/h in a posted 60 km/h zone.

“These are exactly the types of dangerous behaviours residents tell us they want addressed,” said Acting Staff Sergeant Amy Gagnon of the Road Safety Unit. “The early results show what’s possible when traffic enforcement is focused, visible, and connected directly to neighbourhood concerns.”

Residents can expect to continue seeing more officers dedicated to traffic enforcement in their communities, quicker responses to traffic complaints, and enforcement efforts focused on local priorities such as speeding near schools, aggressive driving, stunt driving, distracted driving, and impaired driving.

About the new Units

District Traffic Units operate within OPS’s four geographic districts and focus on neighbourhood-level enforcement, complaint response, and community engagement. Officers work directly with residents, schools, businesses, and community groups to identify and address traffic safety issues specific to their areas.

The Road Safety Unit provides specialized, city-wide support for major traffic initiatives, large events, and advanced enforcement. Its responsibilities include training and certification in Radar/Lidar, Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) inspections, motorcycle operations, and coordination of high-visibility traffic enforcement campaigns.

Together, the District Traffic Units and Road Safety Unit provide a coordinated approach to road safety, combining a stronger local presence with the specialized expertise required to address serious and complex traffic safety risks across Ottawa.

“Our focus is on results that people can see and feel in their neighbourhoods,” said Acting Staff Sgt. Gagnon. “Safer roads, fewer dangerous drivers, and a clear message that risky behaviour behind the wheel will not be tolerated.”

Media Ride-Alongs

Members of the media are invited to participate in ride-alongs with the Road Safety Unit.

Weekly availability will be offered, with interview locations confirmed on the day of the ride-along.

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CONTACT:   

Media Relations  

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext.  5366 

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