20 July 2010

CP Fines Trespassers

Someone put up a warning to let others know CP Police
were in the area ticketing people who were walking over
the tracks back to town from the industrial compound.

Banff Alberta - Canadian Pacific Railway police are increasing their presence in town after handing out 13 trespassing tickets to Banffites last week.
 
CP police had stationed themselves by the crossing at the town's industrial compound behind the Pearl Laundry building issuing $287 fines. They also handed out several warning tickets.
 
While there is a worn path and small bridge leading towards the tracks that's regularly used by people who work in the industrial compound, CP said anyone crossing in unapproved areas are trespassing and it's a safety issue.
 
"I think its been identified as an area of concern," said CP spokesperson Breanne Feigel. "There's been other incidences lately between Canmore and Banff and the police felt it was important to go out to do some enforcement."
 
Despite the path and frequency with which people cross there, Feigel said it is not an official crossing, making it a public safety issue. Signs are posted indicating violators will be prosecuted for trespassing.
 
Town of Banff visitor experience coordinator Bruce Marpole said the town does not maintain the trail, and he was unaware of who was responsible for the bridge.
 
"Even though there are paths in the area that are worn with use, these are not crossings," Feigel said, noting the only acceptable pedestrian crossings in Banff are on the road.
 
She said trespassing tickets were given to people walking down or riding their bikes along the tracks, while warnings were issued to those just crossing. Though because of the number of people stopped by police, officers will be focusing more on Banff in the coming weeks.
 
"Given the number of tickets issued, the Town of Banff should expect to see CP people in the area at least one day a week," she said.
 
With around 30 trains passing through Banff a day, and CP seeing an increase in train related fatalities and injuries throughout Alberta, they're ramping up their public safety blitzes.
 
Feigel said money collected from tickets goes to the province and municipalities they were issued in.
 
Larissa Barlow.