Canadian Pacific Police Service steps up safety enforcement

Rail Safety Week in Canada April 26 - May 2, 2010

The Canadian Pacific Police Service (CPPS) is taking its public safety message directly to the street, during Rail Safety Week which runs from April 26 to May 2 in Canada.

CALGARY, April 23 /CNW/ - CP Police officers from Montreal to Vancouver will conduct more than 100 safety and enforcement blitzes in communities across Canada. They will remind students, pedestrians, cyclists and motorists about the important message of staying safe around railway crossings and property.

"This week our focus is to build on the education efforts of programs such as Operation Lifesaver by deploying officers to enforce the laws that relate specifically to railway safety", said CPPS Chief Ivan McClelland. "Safety is everyone's responsibility, safety needs to be top of mind at all times".

In 2009, Transport Canada reported 186 crossing collisions across Canada, 19 fatalities and 21 serious injuries. There were also 70 trespasser incidents, including 52 fatalities and 15 serious injuries.

"These statistics highlight the need for increased safety awareness around railways", added Chief McClelland. " Safety of our employees and the communities in which operate are our top priority". "We are taking a more pro-active approach and confronting the problem head on and shifting our focus from education to enforcement activities". "Our aim is to reinforce the need for safety and to deter people from taking unnecessary risks".

People who trespass on railway property or fail to yield the right-of-way to an approaching train at a crossing risk death or serious injury and are subject to being charged with a number of offences under the Rail Safety Act or applicable Provincial Legislation. People can report offences occurring at crossings and on railway property by contacting the Canadian Pacific Police Service at: 1-800-716-9132 or their local police.

About Canadian Pacific Police Service

The Canadian Pacific Police Service is a police agency created by Federal Statute with full federal and provincial powers, its members are peace officers as defined by the Criminal code. The CPPS plays an important role in public safety and enforcement in the communities where CP operates. CPPS officers typically promote public safety through trespasser abatement patrols, enforcement of traffic legislation at railway crossings and participation in education activities to raise awareness of community safety issues. The CPPS also help to protect the critical infrastructure of Canada and the US by ensuring supply chain security and ensuring the operational efficiency of the transportation network.

Editor's Note: For information/assistance on Rail Safety Week activities in your area, please contact Mike LoVecchio for specifics.

For further information: Media Contact: Mike LoVecchio, Senior Manager - Media Relations, Canadian Pacific, [phone] tel, [phone] 24/7 media pager