MISSISSAUGA — The Ontario governmentis investing $410,000 in surveillance technology to help Peel Regional Police deteraggressive driving and gun and gang violence along two of Canada's busiesthighways. By strengthening the Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) surveillance systemalong Highways 410 and 403 police officers will be able to swiftly identify andstop dangerous driving and other criminal activity and improve public safety. 

"Speeding,street racing and stunt driving are criminal activities that underminecommunities and put innocent lives at risk," said Solicitor General SylviaJones. "With this investment, Peel Regional Police will be better equipped tokeep roads and communities safe by tracking and apprehending offenders who recklesslyendanger law-abiding motorists and their families."

According to Peel Regional PoliceService, many of the aggressive driving incidents occurring within theirjurisdiction have been linked to gun and gang-related violence and organizedcrime activities.

"Tragically,this year alone in our community, 36 lives have been lost as a result oftraffic fatalities. The primary cause of these incidents is aggressive andimpaired driving. This is an unacceptable risk to our community which hasrippling effects on our collective safety and well-being," said Peel RegionalPolice Chief, Nishan Duraiappah. "Peel Region has also experienced gun and gangviolence on our roadways resulting in multiple homicides some of which haveinvolved unintended victims. This investment will deter this recklessbehaviour and allow us to respond appropriately and effectively to theactivities that put lives at risk."

This investment builds on the $6million provided through the new OntarioCCTV Grant program over the next three years to help expand CCTV surveillancesystems in more municipalities throughout the province.

"Ontario has some of the toughestpenalties in North America when it comes to street racing and stunt driving andour message is simple: we have zero tolerance for these reckless behaviours," said Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation. "We'll continue to do everythingwe can to catch and deter those who drive dangerously. And thisinvestment in CCTV will go a long way towards making our roads safer."

"Improving thetechnology and information available to Ontario's police and prosecutors iscritical to deterring unlawful activity and holding offenders accountable inour communities and on our highways," said Attorney General Doug Downey. "Weare committed to standing up for law-abiding citizens in a safer Peel Region."