Police apprehend three impaired drivers, issue dozens of tickets during targeted traffic enforcement project

Lethbridge Police, in partnership with Alberta Sheriffs and RCMP, removed three impaired driver from the road, arrested a subject wanted on an outstanding warrant and issued 52 tickets during a targeted traffic enforcement project over the weekend that will continue throughout the summer.

In addition, police issued one 24-hour driving suspension for drug-impaired driving and imposed Immediate Roadside Sanctions for three drivers found to have blood alcohol levels over .05 resulting in three-day seizures of their licenses and vehicles along with a fine.

The goal of the enforcement initiative is to provide safer roads for all users by targeting speeding, excessive vehicle noise, racing, stunting and other illegal behaviours in areas throughout the city where members of the public have reported concerns. Similar operations were conducted in 2022 and 2023 to help address the concerns and reduce violations.

Since 2021, police have received hundreds of complaints about loud vehicles and high-risk driving behaviours on and around Mayor Magrath Drive and the Sherring Industrial Park. Although the complaints – and subsequent enforcement – are not limited to these areas, the vast majority of complaints continue to occur there.  

To address these concerns, police are continuing to conduct targeted enforcement of the Alberta Traffic Safety Act and Vehicle Equipment Regulations with zero tolerance for violations. Repeat offenders who have not remedied previously identified and enforced equipment violations may be subject to a seizure of their license plate and vehicle registration. They may also have their vehicle towed and be required to complete mandatory repairs under Section 66 of the Traffic Safety Act before the vehicle will be permitted back on the road and their license plate and registration returned. 

Members of the Traffic Response Unit will provide a highly visible police presence during these targeted projects throughout 2024 to deter illegal driving activity and conduct enforcement. The public can help by continuing to report violations and chronic, high-risk driving behaviour wherever it is observed. Call 403-328-4444. Public complaints and analysis of traffic data, will help guide police deployment and enforcement efforts.