Tip Tuesday with Oxford OPP - December 2025

Constable Matt Foster was in the Heart FM studio with Sergeant Ed Sanchuk for the December edition of Tip Tuesday.

OXFORD - It was the last Tip Tuesday of 2025 and it was a busy one.

Constable Matt Foster was back in the Heart FM studio this morning, as he continues to fill in for Constable Randi Crawford while she's away on medical leave.

He brought Sergeant Ed Sanchuk with him, and they answered questions about highway camera footage, what to do if you're in a crash, e-scooter requirements, community safety zone fines, trailer hitches, and holiday safety tips.

You can find the complete breakdown of the questions in answered below:

1) Do police have access to the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) cameras on Highway 401 and Highway 403?

Constable Foster says the OPP can access the video feed if need be.

"If someone needs help or there is something that comes in through our provincial communications centre and there is not an officer in the immediate area, they can have access to those cameras to have a quick observation and let the officers know if there is an emergency. They can have an eye in the sky if there is a camera close by."

2) What should you do if you end up in a collision?

The first thing you should do is make sure everyone is alright. If someone is hurt and/or the damage exceeds $5,000 it must be reported to police.

Sergeant Sanchuk says you also have to exchange information with the other driver.

"Make sure you take a picture of that licence, ownership and insurance so you have that physically with you. When you do go to report, whether it's going to a reporting centre or waiting for police to arrive and someone had to go somewhere, you'll have that information at your finger tips."

He adds it's also important to remain calm and try not get into any arguments.

3) What are the requirements for e-scooters?

Constable Foster says you have to be at least 16-years-old to operate an e-scooter and it's also required that you wear a helmet if you're under 18-years-old.

He says the road rules are similar to a bicycle, where you stick to the side of the roadway and use hand signals to signal your turns.

Sergeant Sanchuk also has this piece of advice.

"Be very visible wearing reflective and high visibility clothing on. Wear that helmet because we did have an incident on one of the trails in Norfolk County where someone fell off of their scooter, hit their head on the pavement and I'm sad to say they died."

4) How severe are the fines in a community safety zone?

Constable Foster says the fine you face in a community safety zone is almost double what it would be in another area. He provided this example.

"If you're caught going 15 kilometres per hour over the limit, the typical fine with all of the fees is $52.50. If you are in a community safety zone, it's $95."

The fine also doubled if you're caught speeding in a construction zone, especially when there are workers on site.

5) How far can a trailer hitch stick out from a vehicle when it's not towing something?

Constable Foster says it's a hazard that sticks out from your vehicle, so you should not have it attached if its not in use.

"If that trailer hitch in any way obstructs the licence plate, you can get charged under the Highway Traffic Act with obstructing a licence plate and it carries a $110 fine. Most hitches that I see when I'm out there, typically obstruct the plate in some fashion. Very seldomly is there a hitch that does not obstruct the plate."

6) With the Christmas season upon us, Constable Foster and Sergeant Sanchuk have some tips to make sure everyone has a happy and healthy holiday season.

Constable Foster says you should always prepare for changing road conditions while travelling. It's a good idea to check the road and weather conditions before leaving, so you might have a basic idea what to expect.

If you come across spot a tow truck or emergency vehicle responding to a situation on the side of the road, make sure you slow down and move over. If it's on the highway and you are unable to move over safety, slow down and proceed with extreme caution.

Sergeant Sanchuk stressed the importance of having an emergency safety kit in the vehicle, especially during the cold winter months. You should always have a full tank of gas and a fully charged cellphone, in addition to food, water, extra clothes, medication, and a candle.

You should not be getting behind the wheel if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If you are planning on indulging at a holiday party, make sure you find a safe ride home ahead of time.

Looking forward to Christmas, Sergeant Sanchuk says you should be wary of what you put at the curb for pickup.

"So if you have new televisions, PS5s, whatever the case may be, make sure you cut those cardboard boxes up and tear them inside out so nobody knows what you have in your house."

If you're planning on going away for the holidays, you shouldn't  advertise it on social media because it could make your home the target of a break in. It's also a good idea to have a friend or a neighbour check on your home while you're away.

The next Tip Tuesday is scheduled for Tuesday, January 27th and you can submit a question online here.