The LPS says officers took 16 impaired drivers off local roads during the 2023 Christmas Check Stop campaign. (File photo: LNN)

By Justin Goulet

Lethbridge Police’s Christmas Check Stop campaign wraps up

Jan 3, 2024 | 9:09 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) has wrapped up its annual Christmas Check Stop campaign.

The month-long initiative throughout December concluded with a total of 16 impaired drivers being taken off local roads.

The LPS said about 1,250 vehicles were checked. In addition to the 16 Immediate Roadside Sanction (IRS) Fails, police issued seven IRS Cautions for drivers with a blood alcohol content of .05 or greater, one IRS Novice for zero tolerance with a Graduated Driver’s License, one refusal to provide a breath sample, two 24-hour suspensions, and 83 violation tickets. Officers also executed two warrants.

The LPS said that while the goal of the campaign is to find and apprehend impaired drivers due to the significant risk they pose to public safety, it is also hoped that the visible check stops act as a deterrent to those who might otherwise drink and drive.

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The LPS thanked the Alberta Sheriffs and RCMP for their help during the 2023 Christmas Check Stop campaign, as well as volunteers with the Lethbridge and Area chapter of MADD.

Additionally, police thanked “the majority of drivers encountered on the roads who were sober and ensured they were driving responsibly.”

The previous 2022 campaign saw seven impaired drivers apprehended, while 12 were removed from the streets in 2021.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now.

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