Province Launches Impaired Driving Enforcement Pilot Project

A new, integrated police unit is patrolling Southwest Nova Scotia, targeting motorists who choose to get behind the wheel while impaired.

The one-year pilot project, launched by the province today, Dec. 20, will be based out of the Chester RCMP detachment and will be responsible for enforcement in Lunenburg, Queens, Shelburne, Yarmouth, Digby, Annapolis and Kings counties.

The RCMP will provide the unit with vehicles, office facilities and four traffic services officers. Bridgewater and Kentville police services will also provide officers.

Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister Murray Scott said the pilot program complements other government initiatives, such as photo radar and ignition interlock, that are part of the province's commitment to provide safer streets and communities for all Nova Scotians.

"Alcohol continues to be the leading contributing factor to fatal collisions in our province," said Mr. Scott. "This team of dedicated professionals will be involved in enforcing federal and provincial laws pertaining to impaired driving on a full-time basis for the next year."

Justice Minister Cecil Clarke said the integrated unit is a key initiative of the province's crime prevention strategy.

"The unit will develop enforcement strategies, based on the unit's combined experience, expertise and awareness of community needs," said Mr. Clarke.

Nova Scotia RCMP Chief Supt. Tom Bennett said the RCMP is excited to have an opportunity to work with police partners.

"We believe the integrated unit will save lives by removing impaired drivers from Nova Scotia's highways," said Chief Supt. Bennett.

Chief Brent Crowhurst, of the Bridgewater Police Service, said he is pleased to participate with the province and policing partners in this exciting new initiative.

"We are confident this pilot project will demonstrate improved safety on the highways in Southwest Nova Scotia over the next year," said Chief Crowhurst.

Chief Mark Mander, of the Kentville Police Service, said the unit will build on other impaired driving enforcement and educational strategies.

"This team of dedicated peace officers will be able to target specific areas in Southwest Nova Scotia and send a clear message through enforcement that impaired driving is a serious crime with real, and far too often tragic, consequences," said Chief Mander.

Law-enforcement officials also demonstrated in-vehicle video cameras and a breath-testing instrument at the event.

The province is providing resources to train an additional 48 Datamaster technicians to operate breath-testing instruments throughout the province. It is purchasing 20 additional screening devices to help front-line officers detect and process impaired drivers and 10 in-vehicle video cameras, which will allow officers to capture and retain relevant evidence when interacting with impaired drivers.

Costs for the equipment, training and pilot program will be covered under existing budgets from the departments of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal, Justice, Health Promotion and Protection, and Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations within the current fiscal year.