Speeding drivers warned to slow down

Improved spring road conditions seem to be encouraging drivers to rack up excessive speeds on Edmonton roads, police say.

One driver was clocked at 216 km/hr on Anthony Henday Drive, 116 km/hr over the speed limit. Police caught another motorist doing 120 km/hr in a 50 km/hr zone on Jasper Avenue

"It just boggles my mind to be honest that these folks are out there risking their own lives and that of others," said acting Staff Sgt. Gary Lamont from the Traffic Section.

Last year, there were 29 traffic fatalities in Edmonton. Lamont said that 62 per cent of those deaths were caused by excessive speed.

Lamont said police plan to step up enforcement and target areas where drivers tend to speed.

They also plan to use the Air-1 police helicopter whenever possible.