A move by the B.C. Government to find ways to crack down on slow drivers in the passing lane on the highway has some Alberta officials interested, although the legislation for this issue already exists here.
RCMP say many drivers are not aware of the laws prohibiting driving slowly in the left, or passing, lane.
“You cannot be travelling under the speed limit and obstructing traffic,” Const. Gord Buck with Spruce Grove and Stony Plain RCMP said.
In Alberta, the fine ranges from $115 and two demerits, to a $172 ticket.
Const. Buck said he has pulled over a number of vehicles for driving too slow, and he’s handed out tickets, but he also said education is important to make sure drivers are aware of the dangerous situation they’re creating on the road.
“The person with road rage is not only following that person in front of them far too closely but it takes the chance on cutting other people off to try and get around that vehicle,” Buck said.
Buck said he’s even had a driver tell him he was trying to slow down speeders.
“That’s not their job, that’s my job out there, to get people to slow down,” Buck said.
An Alberta Transportation spokesperson said they’re watching B.C. to see how new legislation will be worded, but changes in Alberta are not expected – officials said police have enough tools under the Highway Traffic Act to deal with slow drivers.
With files from Amanda Anderson
