Montreal blitz targets belts, phone use

MONTREAL, Que. – Drivers of heavy vehicles around Montreal were under the watchful eyes of enforcement teams who were riding an unmarked coach on Tuesday, during a blitz run by Controle Routier Quebec with the support of provincial police. The higher vantage point gave the teams a clear look at whether drivers were using cell phones behind the wheel or not wearing seatbelts. Both offences will see steeper penalties in coming weeks. "Most people now use their cell phone on their thighs,” said Marie-Josée Michaud, public relations officer for Contrôle Routier Québec. In a patrol car, that can be difficult to see, but there’s no problem from the higher position in a bus.