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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday November 30, 2007 - 29 Your Halton Connection www.halton.ca December `07 Road Safety Programs by Regional Chair Gary Carr How the citizen report is processed: · The first time a citizen report is received, an information letter is sent by the police to the registered owner of the vehicle explaining that their vehicle was observed being operated in an unsafe manner at a specific time and location and asks them to remember to drive safely on Halton's roadways. If the vehicle owner was not driving their vehicle, it is their responsibility to speak with the person who was. · The second time a citizen report is received on the same registered owner, a repeat letter is sent from the police with the potential for personal contact from a police officer to address the problem. · A third report against an owner will result in a third letter and a personal visit from a police officer. The R.I.D.E. Program (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) originated in 1977 in Etobicoke, Ontario as a community policing effort to address public concern about drinking and driving. Since that time the program has expanded across Ontario. Spot checks are operated throughout the year with special emphasis during the festive and summer holidays. Halton Region is committed to our community and is a proud supporter of these highly effective traffic safety programs. Halton Region and the Halton Regional Police Service continue to work with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) to aggressively address the DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE message, especially during the upcoming holiday season. As the Chair of Halton Region, I have the pleasure to sit on the Board of the Halton Region Police Service (HRPS). As a member of the board, I have the opportunity to hear about the community programs HRPS is involved in with the community, as well as their ideas for new projects that would benefit our community. Two very important projects currently being run in Halton Region are the Community Road Watch program and the RIDE program. The Community Road Watch Program is community-operated and gives residents the opportunity to report aggressive and unsafe drivers through a Citizen Report Form to police. The information provided in the reports is held in strict confidence by Halton Regional Police and citizens who make reports will not be identified. You can fill out the form online at www.hrps.on.ca, or place a completed form in one of the secure drop boxes that are located throughout the community at police stations, participating businesses and libraries, or you can fax a copy to the Halton Region Police Service at 905-845-0381. Winter Driving Tips Halton Region is committed to enhancing road safety. Halton Region and Halton Regional Police Service are partners on the Drive SAFE (Safety Awareness for Everyone) campaign to promote road safety. With the winter weather approaching, here are some helpful hints to help you Drive SAFE this winter: · Clear snow and ice from all windows, lights, mirrors and roofs · Plan your route and allow plenty of time · Always keep the gas tank at least half full · Allow plenty of room between yourself and all other vehicles clothes For more information on the Drive SAFE program, please visit www.halton.ca/drivesafe. Holiday Wishes from Council Wishing you health, happiness and peace this holiday season. Photo courtesy of Michael Howie Metroland Media Group December Meetings and Closures at Halton Region Headquarters December 4, 9:30 a.m. December 5, 9:30 a.m. December 6, 8:30 a.m. December 17, 9:30 a.m. December 19, 9:30 a.m. Dec. 24 (afternoon) - Jan. 1 Health & Social Services Committee Planning & Public Works Committee Administration & Finance Committee Budget Review Regional Council Meeting Offices closed for the Holidays We welcome your feedback. Contact Access Halton at accesshalton@halton.ca 905-825-6000 · Toll free: 1-866-442-5866 · TTY: 905-827-9833 · www.halton.ca The Regional Municipality of Halton · 1151 Bronte Rd., Oakville, Ontario L6M 3L1 This page has been donated by this newspaper to communicate important information to Halton residents at no cost to taxpayers.