The next time you get yourself into a motor-vehicle collision, don’t expect Ottawa Police to come on scene.
Ottawa Police plan to implement Collision Reporting Centres (CRCs) across the city.
"The new CRC process will clear collisions from roadways faster and reduce traffic congestion arising from collisions," said Insp. Sandra McLaren, who is leading the CRC implementation project. "It will also allow the public to get on with their day and make the report when it is more convenient for them."
Under the current system, motorists involved in collisions wait, on average, 32 minutes before an available officer arrives on scene to begin a 72-minute, paper-based process. McLaren argues this is unnecessary wait times that often creates traffic congestion.
When fully implemented, if you are a motorists involved in collisions without injuries and where their vehicle remains drivable or towable, you will be expected to attend one of three CRCs.
Motorists involved in drivable collisions will have 24 hours to file a report.
By summer of 2013, the CRCs will deal with 70 per cent or around 13,000 collisions every year.
The plan is expected to save $1.5M to $1.8M by the end of 2013.
"The CRCs will not only enhance service to the public by reducing wait times at collisions, it will also cut costs and free up some of our officers to attend other calls for service. We're really excited about taking this next step towards enhancing service to citizens," said Insp. McLaren.
The CRCs will be open seven days a week and will be located at police locations across the city (474 Elgin Street, 211 Huntmar Drive and 3343 St. Joseph Boulevard) to ensure easy access and convenience for drivers.
Currently, there are 24 Ontario police services already using CRCs.
With a report from CTV Ottawa’s Claudia Cautillo
