A total of 26 officers from EPS, RCMP Traffic Services and the Alberta Sheriff Highway Patrol carried out the Checkstop operation Friday, Dec. 16th on St. Albert Trail between Anthony Henday and 156 Street. Between 7:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., a total of 653 drivers and their vehicles were contacted and screened for impairment.
Two drivers failed the screening and were given Immediate Roadside Sanctions, which also includes a 30-day vehicle seizure, a 15-month licence suspension and a $1,000 fine. The two drivers will also have to complete a two-day mandatory “Planning Ahead” education course.
Another two drivers were given warnings, which include three-day licence suspensions, three-day vehicle seizure and a $300 fine. One ticket for cannabis within reach of the driver was also issued ($120 fine). Outstanding warrants were also executed on two other drivers.
In additional to the Checkstop, EPS members also participated in roving patrols across the city specifically looking for impaired drivers.
A total of 32 drivers were administered Mandatory Alcohol Screenings with three drivers failing. One Criminal Code charge was also issued for a driver allegedly involved in an impaired-related hit and run. In this event, the driver collided with a fence at a residential property in west Edmonton, and then attempted to flee the area before being stopped and apprehended by police. The driver’s breath samples were twice the legal limit.
EPS will continue to hold Checkstops across the city throughout the 2022 holiday season.
If you suspect a driver is impaired, please contact police to Curb the Danger:
- Call 911 if it is safe to do so. Calling 911 in an emergency, or to report an impaired driver, is permitted while driving under the distracted driving law.
- Report the location, vehicle description, and licence plate number.
- Keep the vehicle in sight, but do not attempt to chase the vehicle or break the law to do so.