Provincial police in Chatham-Kent have laid a staggering 629 Highway Traffic Act charges against drivers in construction zones on Highway 401.
The OPP conducted a focused patrol initiative in construction zones on the highway and said over the past five months, 469 drivers have been charged with speeding.
Another five were charged with stunt driving, three with careless driving, and one with criminally dangerous operation of a motor vehicle. A total of 151 drivers face other charges.
It has prompted police to remind drivers to approach construction zones with caution and slow down.
"Speed limit reductions occur in these areas to create safer working conditions," read a release from Chatham-Kent OPP which made note that construction workers are often working on, or near the roadway. "These reductions are also designed to alert motorists to the presence of construction vehicles, uneven or gravel surfaces, narrowed lanes and other potential hazards."
When workers are present in construction zones, speeding fines are doubled.
