Police, along with the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure teamed up to reduce the amount of vehicles flying past emergency vehicles on the highway in October.

The results weren't overly positive, as during the three week campaign, 478 speeders were charged.

Drivers who did not abide by the law of driving 60 km/hr or less were targeted.

"Educating travellers to slow to 60 km/hr when passing emergency vehicles is very important," said Nancy Heppner with Highways and Infrastructure. "We need to ensure traffic laws are followed so first responders can do their important work as safely as possible."

Heppner added that motorists should be aware that tow trucks are included as emergency vehicles, and the fines only apply when emergency vehicles are stopped with their lights flashing.

Fines start at a base fee of $140 and rise based on the amount of kilometres over the speed limit a driver travels. The same rules apply when passing workers in highway work zones. Those fees, however, begin at $210.

This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to educate the public on critical importance of slowing when passing emergency vehicles and work zones.