CP Police steps up safety enforcement in Saskatchewan

Rail Safety Week is April 26 - May 2, 2010

Canadian Pacific Police Service (CPPS) will conduct crossing and rail property trespassing enforcement as part of Railway Safety Week in Canada, which runs from April 26 to May 2.

SASKATOON, April 25 /CNW/ - At Canadian Pacific, the health and safety of our employees and the public is fundamental to our culture and our operations, and CPPS are dedicated to promoting public awareness of railway safety issues. CPPS officers will be out next week reminding motorists, cyclists and pedestrians of the importance of staying safe around railway crossings and property.

"Awareness helps prevent tragic consequences from occurring and creates a safer situation for everybody," said CP Police Inspector Ron Chomyn. "During Rail Safety Week, officers across our system have the opportunity to further educate the public to deter risk taking behavior through enforcement activities."

CPPS officers will conduct traffic enforcement blitzes at railway crossings and anti-trespassing patrols around rail operations in Saskatoon, Moose Jaw, Estevan, Weyburn and Yorkton. In Saskatchewan, people walking along the railway tracks or right of way can be fined $250.00 under the Provincial Trespass to Property Act.

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 numbers do not include the many near collisions that take place every year.

"Building public awareness is our top priority," said Inspector Chomyn. "Ignoring signage at railway crossings and trespassing on railway property creates significant unnecessary personal risks that often lead to personal injury or death."

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 or Kevin Hrysak for specifics.

    
    Canadian Pacific Rail Safety Activities in your area
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    Moose Jaw

    April 27 - Traffic Enforcement - 24th St SW & Trans Canada Hwy

    Estevan

    April 26 - Traffic Enforcement - Kensington St & Surrounding Estevan Area

    Weyburn

    April 26 - Traffic Enforcement - Weyburn Area

    Saskatoon

    April 28 - Trespass & Traffic Enforcement - Central Street & Gray Avenue
    April 29 - Trespass & Traffic Enforcement - Ave D & 23rd St

    Yorkton

    April 30 - Traffic enforcement - York Road & Surrounding Area
    

For further information: Mike LoVecchio, Sr. Manager, Media Relations, Canadian Pacific, [phone] tel, [phone] 24/7 media pager; Kevin Hrysak, Manager, Media Relations - West, Canadian Pacific, [phone] tel, [phone] 24/7 media pager