Police funding request irks some Norwich councillors

Luke Edwards, Post Contributor

While they ultimately approved up to $2,000 in township money for a new portable vehicle weigh scale system, Norwich councillors are asking the local OPP detachment to fund equipment from their own budget.

Councillors expressed concern with a report regarding the municipal contribution at the June 16 meeting. At a recent meeting, the Oxford OPP detachment board passed a resolution asking for $2,000 from each municipality in the county to fund the new equipment, which will help with enforcement of weight restrictions on rural roads.

“They’re coming to us, albeit with a rather modest request, but it’s problematic and I struggle with this one and what kind of a precedent this sets,” said Coun. Karl Toews.

They ultimately supported the funding request, but also added wording requesting the OPP detachment consider their equipment needs within future budgets.

The new scales will allow enhanced enforcement. Previously police used scales from neighbouring areas when they were available.

“They have been able to do some enforcement but that has been obviously limited to when they’ve had scales available,” said CAO Matt Smith.