VIDEO: Eyes in the sky net dozens of charges in motorcycle crackdown on Ontario highway

Police took to the skies this last weekend for a motorcycle and road safety blitz that’s led to dozens of charges for Ontario drivers.

The crackdown happened on Saturday and saw members of the Caledon and Dufferin OPP detachments team up with the force’s Aircraft Enforcement Program, which uses aircraft to monitor vehicle speeds on the ground.

Police set their sights on Highway 10 for the blitz to “proactively prepare” for more motorcycle riders on the roads as the weather heats up. Officers also targeted aggressive drivers, speeders, drivers passing on the shoulder, and those failing to stop.

In an example of one incident, the OPP shared a video that shows the driver of a car pull into a left-hand turning lane and cross the yellow line to pass a group of motorcycles.

On May 4, #CaledonOPP & #DufferinOPP participated in a motorcycle safety initiative by utilizing the OPP Aircraft Enforcement Program. OPP officers and pilots prioritized road safety for all motorists through aircraft surveillance along Highway 10 in Caledon & Dufferin. pic.twitter.com/xEqR48dKxK

— OPP Central Region (@OPP_CR) May 9, 2024

Some 26 charges were laid during the motorcycle safety crackdown including three stunt driving charges, four improperly displayed plate charges, and multiple speeding charges. But more than half of those 26 charges were issued to four-wheeled drivers, with only 11 issued to bikers.

Drivers can face a minimum of a one-year licence suspension if convicted of a stunt driving offence for the first time with “more severe penalties” for further convictions, impounds and license suspensions, like a motorcycle rider in Caledon who was taken off the road.

Police say drivers can expect to see officers on the roads to watch for drivers not obeying the rules of the road as motorcycle season goes into high gear.

Anyone who witnesses a dangerous driver or suspects a driver of operating while impaired by drugs or alcohol is encouraged to call 911 and report it when safe to do so.