LPS pulls over a driver during a check stop in late 2019. (Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Dozens caught driving impaired in holiday-season check stops in Lethbridge

Jan 7, 2020 | 2:41 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Lethbridge Police Service was kept busy at the end of 2019, conducting three sessions of check stops throughout the city.

They were held on December 20th, 28th, and 31st at various locations.

Sgt. Kevin Talbot with the Traffic Response Unit reports that their officers stopped approximately 600 vehicles during those times.

Five people were charged with impaired driving – four for alcohol and one for drug impairment – while 16 people had their licenses suspended, 19 vehicles were seized, five suspended or prohibited drivers were apprehended, 31 tickets were issued, and one warrant was executed.

He told LNN that this was nothing out of the ordinary.

Nighttime construction on Hwy 3 in Lethbridge starts April 17

Apr 17, 2025

SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents

Apr 04, 2025

$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1

Mar 18, 2025

“It was pretty similar to what we had in the past.”

For alcohol impairment, police were able to use breathalyzers for on-the-spot detection.

Any drivers that were suspected of driving under the influence of drugs were apprehended and had to give a urine or blood sample at the police station.

Sgt. Talbot says LPS will be conducting further check stops in the near future, although they do not say when or where they will take place.