The Lethbridge Police Service has wrapped up its 2025 Christmas Check Stop campaign. (Photo: LPS)

By David Opinko

LPS finds 60% fewer impaired drivers at Christmas Check Stop

Jan 6, 2026 | 10:30 AM

The Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) says it was encouraging to see more sober drivers on the road during the 2025 Christmas Check Stop campaign.

During the month-long enforcement project in December, officers stopped 1,768 vehicles and removed four impaired drivers from the road.

They also issued seven Immediate Roadside Sanction (IRS) Cautions from drivers with a blood alcohol concentration between 0.05-0.079, 103 violation tickets, three criminal charges for failing to stop, and executed three warrants.

In last year’s campaign, 1,250 vehicles were stopped, and 10 impaired drivers were caught. That is in addition to 10 IRC Cautions, two IRS Novice penalties for zero tolerance with a Graduated Driver’s Licence, 123, violation tickets, five criminal charges, and executed six warrants.

“More vehicles were checked this year than last, and there was a 60 per cent reduction in the number of impaired drivers apprehended,” said Sgt. Tony Ramotowski of the Traffic Response Unit. “While enforcement and education efforts will continue, these results are encouraging, and we hope to see this trend continue.”

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He adds that the majority of drivers were sober and driving responsibly.

LPS collaborated with the Alberta Sheriffs, RCMP, and Lethbridge and Area Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).