Speed bumps are deterring lead-footed drivers on Beach Avenue in Peachland, according to the RCMP.
At its May 20 meeting, council heard that portable speed bumps installed for the summer have led to a noticeable drop in speeding.
“Many times the best thing you can do when you have a speeding or enforcement problem is to change the environment in which people drive,” explained Cpl. Tyrone Wilton of the West Kelowna RCMP.
Wilton, one of two municipal traffic officers covering West Kelowna and Peachland, told council that 68 tickets and warnings have been issued in Peachland since March 1.
“The majority of offenders we do encounter are from Peachland, primarily on Beach Ave.—about 90 per cent,” he added.
The speed limit on Beach Ave. is 30 km/h, but Wilton said officers have recorded speeds as high as 60 to 65 km/h.
“Those were few and far between,” he noted. “The majority of the time we are targeting people once they hit 50 km/h.”
Wilton’s team also conducts regular enforcement along Highway 97, with two dedicated patrols per day in addition to coverage by general duty officers. He added that even the presence of a police vehicle can influence driver behaviour.
Staff Sgt. Brendan Dolan also addressed council, noting that one general duty officer per shift is assigned to patrol Peachland.
“We dub them the sheriff of Peachland,” he said. “That’s their duty—they come down here and do active patrols and ensure a visible presence in the community.”
When asked whether police presence would increase over the summer, Dolan said patrols have already expanded since he arrived in West Kelowna in 2024.
“As far as expanding beyond that, you’re getting good service at this point in time,” he said. “Having said that, if an issue arises which would require more police presence, we will absolutely be there.”
Dolan added that residents have noticed the increased visibility.
“Obviously that’s us being receptive to the community survey.”
Mayor Patrick Van Minsel agreed.
“I have noticed more police presence, as have our residents, and I think that’s a deterrent on itself.”
Van Minsel also alluded to other concerns in the community.
“We had a short discussion just before we started here,” he said to Dolan. “But there’s a plan in place I think—you know about it—and you will take care of it.”
The mayor did not elaborate on what those other challenges were.
