The annual Christmas Check Stop campaign has wrapped up.
The Lethbridge Police Service says the initiative this holiday season saw 10 impaired drivers taken off local roads throughout the month-long project in December.
“While the goal of the Check Stop Campaign is to locate and apprehend drivers due to the significant risk they pose to public safety, it’s also hoped the highly-visible check stops act as a deterrent to those who might otherwise drink and drive,” the LPS says in a release.
Officials note that during the campaign, about 1,250 vehicles were stopped.
In addition to the 10 Immediate Roadside Sanction (IRS) Fails, officers issued 10 IRS Cautions for drivers with a blood alcohol content of 0.05 to 0.079, as well as two IRS Novice penalties for zero tolerance with a Graduated Driver’s License. The campaign saw 123 violation tickets issued, five criminal charges laid, and six warrants executed.
In comparison, 16 impaired drivers were stopped and taken off roads in 2023, while the 2022 campaign resulted in seven impaired drivers removed from local roads.
The LPS is thanking Alberta Sheriffs and the RCMP for their help during the campaign, along with volunteers with the Lethbridge and Area chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
Police also “thank the majority of drivers, who were sober and driving responsibly”.
