Checkstop -- Image from LPS

By Connor Gunn

Over 1,700 vehicles stopped through LPS check stop campaign

Jan 4, 2022 | 2:15 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Throughout the month of December, the Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) ran their Christmas Check Stop Campaign which checked for impaired drivers.

The campaign has concluded, resulting in a total of about 1,760 vehicles being checked.

There was just one impaired driver caught during the previous Check Stop campaign in 2020, when COVID-19 restrictions resulted in far fewer party-goers on the road and fewer vehicles checked.

This year, 12 Immediate Roadside Sanction (IRS) Fails were handed out and this campaign resulted in four IRS ‘Warns’ for drivers with a blood/alcohol content of .05 or greater, and eight IRS for zero tolerance with a Graduated Driver License.

Acting Staff-Sgt. Brent Paxman of the Traffic Response Unit, says the campaign saw a number of people taken off the road.

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“This year we exceeded what we were hoping to get as far as numbers in totality, including vehicles checked and the number of impaired drivers.”

“We’re getting a high percentage of compliance, which is good for anyone on the road.”

This is the second LPS Christmas Check Stop Campaign held since IRS legislation came into effect. While no Criminal Code charges were issued, penalties include a specific period of license suspension and vehicle seizure, as well as substantial fines and fees.

“Those given an IRS fail must also participate in an educational course and install an ignition interlock device in their vehicle before they can apply to have their license reinstated,” the LPS release reads.

While the goal of the Check Stop Campaign is to locate and apprehend drivers due to the significant risk they pose to public safety, police say it also hoped the highly-visible Check Stops act as a deterrent to those who might otherwise drink and drive.

This past weekend alone, saw about 60 vehicles checked through a number of roving stops. There were three IRS Fails and 16 TSA tickets issued.

The police release thanked community partners for helping throughout the campaign.