Mounties warn of ‘misinformation' about fake traffic law changes
A school zone speed sign is pictured in Saskatoon on June 7, 2022. (Chad Hills/CTV Saskatoon)
Police in British Columbia are taking the unusual step of addressing online misinformation from 'disreputable websites' that falsely claim sweeping changes are coming to traffic laws across Canada.
One such claim falsely states that school-zone speed limits will be in effect 24 hours a day across the country starting July 1.
'These websites are completely wrong, and social media and AI are amplifying the misinformation,' Cpl. Michael McLaughlin of the B.C. Highway Patrol said in a statement Thursday.
'School zones are a provincial jurisdiction,' he added. 'There are no sweeping changes coming for Canada.'
All school zone regulations in B.C. are in effect between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. unless otherwise stated on traffic signs.
Some websites publishing false claims about 24-hour school zones are also promoting misinformation about the lowering of legal blood-alcohol limits for drivers and dramatic increases in fines for distracted drivers.
The B.C. Highway Patrol urges anyone viewing traffic-related content online to consider the source of the information.
'Traffic law announcements should come from your provincial government. A website you've never heard of, or Ned from Facebook, are not reliable sources,' the statement said.
'When Canada-wide traffic changes are being implemented on short notice, and for no apparent reason, that is a red flag for savvy internet users.'
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