Perth County OPP Detachment Board Urges Public to Respect Road Closures

Perth County, ON – February 24, 2026 

The Perth County OPP Detachment Board is raising serious concerns about recent incidents of drivers ignoring official road closures due to weather, flooding, collisions, or other hazardous conditions. Road closures are not optional; they are to keep everyone safe.

When a road is closed, it is because conditions have been deemed unsafe for travel. This may include whiteout conditions, flooding, ice-covered surfaces, downed hydro lines, emergency response activity, or other significant hazards. Choosing to bypass or ignore a road closure places not only the driver at risk, but also passengers, first responders, municipal road crews, and other members of the public.

“Too often, emergency responders are forced into dangerous situations to assist motorists who ignored closure signs,” said Todd Kasenberg, Chair of the Perth County OPP Detachment Board. “Respecting closures protects not only your own safety, but the safety of those who may have to rescue you.”

The Ontario Provincial Police may lay charges under the Highway Traffic Act for drivers who enter a closed roadway. In addition to legal consequences, motorists may face significant financial and insurance implications for driving on a closed road.

The Board reminds residents that road closures are put in place only after careful assessment by municipal officials, emergency services, and provincial authorities, and are made to protect community safety. Residents are encouraged to check current road conditions before travelling by using Ontario 511 or their local Municipal 511 service, and to follow updates from the OPP and municipal authorities during significant weather events. Always respect road closure signs and barricades. Driving around them puts yourself, your passengers, first responders, and crews at serious risk.

Media Contact:
James Hutson
Secretary-Administrator
Perth County OPP Detachment Board
clerk@westperth.com

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