‘Panhandlers’ make Operation Disconnect a success

One of the most novel – and controversial – traffic-safety initiatives ever to come out of Halton is being called a huge success tonight.

The tactic has been used before in other jurisdictions, but it’s a first in this area, and it proved to be highly effective. Designed to crack down on distracted drivers who can’t seem to keep hands off their cell phones – and on the steering wheel – the four-day blitz certainly proved a point.

More than 300 traffic tickets were handed out – more than 200 of them, at the intersection of Guelph Line and Fairview Street. Police officers dressed as panhandlers used their disguise to get close to talking and texting drivers stopped at red lights, then pulled them over – to face the consequences.

The penalties for this offence can be pretty steep. A $500 fine to start with, and then possible additional charges of dangerous or careless driving costing up to $2,000 in fines, and six demerit points.

Do yourself a favour, and everyone else too: tuck the cell away, when you get behind the wheel.

Video: Scot Urquhart reports: