The Lethbridge Police Service has concluded its annual Christmas Check Stop campaign, removing four impaired drivers from the road during the month-long enforcement effort.
Police said officers stopped approximately 1,768 vehicles throughout December. In addition to four Immediate Roadside Sanction (IRS) fails, officers issued seven IRS cautions for drivers with blood alcohol concentrations between 0.05 and 0.079, 103 violation tickets and three criminal charges for failing to stop. Police also executed three warrants.
By comparison, the 2024 campaign saw officers stop 1,250 vehicles. During that campaign, police issued 10 IRS fails, 10 IRS cautions, two IRS novice penalties for zero-tolerance drivers with graduated licences, 123 violation tickets, five criminal charges and executed six warrants.
Sgt. Tony Ramotowski of the Traffic Response Unit said the results represent about a 60 per cent reduction in the number of impaired drivers apprehended, despite an increase in the number of vehicles checked.
“While enforcement and education efforts will continue, these results are encouraging, and we hope to see this trend continue,” Ramotowski said.
Police thanked Alberta Sheriffs, RCMP and volunteers with the Lethbridge and Area chapter of MADD for their assistance during the campaign.
