OTTAWA – Speedsters trying to take advantage of empty roads due to COVID-19 are finding out the police are still out there.

“The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) is concerned stunt driving continues to be a problem on our roads, as we struggle with the COVID-19 pandemic,” the OPS released in a statement Friday (March 27).

On Friday, traffic officers seized a total of eight vehicles that exceeded the speed limit by more than 50 km/h, including a motorcycle driver who was performing wheelies. Two offenders, speeding in a construction zone before being intercepted, were issued higher fines and additional demerit points for their actions.

For the week, the Traffic Unit seized a total 15 vehicles for stunt driving related offences.

“The Ottawa police will continue to enforce the Highway Traffic Act (HTA),” Traffic Unit Staff Sergeant Marc-Andre Sheehy said.  “Practicing physical distancing during the pandemic does not stop us from enforcing the law with drivers who fail to respect the rules of the road.  We are in this together, please drive carefully.”