Three impaired drivers removed from the road and nearly 100 violation tickets issued during targeted traffic enforcement

Lethbridge Police, in partnership with Alberta Sheriffs, apprehended three impaired drivers and issued almost 100 tickets – including two for speeding at double the posted limit – during a targeted traffic enforcement project over the weekend. 

A total of 94 tickets were issued, mostly for equipment violations. Of the two drivers ticketed for exceeding the speed limit by 50 km/h or more, one was recorded travelling 120 km/h in a 60 km/h zone, and the other 138 km/h in a 70 km/h zone. In addition, six outstanding warrants were executed, seven vehicles were towed and one Immediate Roadside Sanction Warning was issued. 

The goal of the ongoing 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 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 provide a highly visible police presence during these targeted projects 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, help guide police deployment and enforcement efforts.