Impaired Driving Enforcement Unit Effective at Community Events

A team of law enforcement officers is making community events safer in Southwest Nova Scotia by targeting impaired drivers.

The Integrated Impaired Driving Enforcement Unit is a joint effort of the RCMP, Bridgewater and Kentville Police Service and the provincial government.

The unit, which has been patrolling Southwest Nova Scotia since its launch in December, has been asked by local law enforcement to help at several festivals and events in the region.

"The integrated impaired driving enforcement unit is doing a tremendous job taking impaired and unsafe drivers off our roads," said Murray Scott, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal.

With the pilot project over the half way point, the unit has stopped more than 36,000 vehicles at 216 checkpoints leading to 428 roadside alcohol screening tests. Eighty-three impaired driving charges have been laid, as well as 109 immediate 24-hour licence suspensions.

Mark Mander, Kentville Police Service chief, said that by setting up checkpoints at town limits, the unit has been able to stop potentially dangerous drivers from entering busy areas and putting people at risk.

"The added presence of the integrated unit has certainly aided the job of local law enforcement," said Chief Mander.

Aiming to impact as many communities as possible, the unit has covered more than 30,000 kilometres of roadways. Cpl. Pat Moran, the unit's chief officer, said response from the public has been overwhelmingly positive.

"Many residents, particularly those in smaller communities, have thanked us for coming to their community, and have shown their appreciation for this stepped-up enforcement," said Cpl. Moran.

Several other motor vehicle infractions are being enforced by the unit. Officers have charged 60 motorists for driving with a suspended, revoked or disqualified licence, and 153 for operating a motor vehicle without a licence.

December marks the end of the one-year pilot study. The province will evaluate the program to determine its impact on incidents of impaired driving and consider expanding it throughout Nova Scotia.

The project is one of several provincial initiatives to improve road safety, including developing a provincial road-safety strategy. The project also supports government's priority to keep communities safe.