Since Sept. 20, Prince George RCMP detachment and traffic services have been keeping the local tow truck companies working, says the media relations officer.
Cst. Lesley Smith said since the new Immediate Roadside Prohibition legislation kicked in, a total of 44 vehicles have been impounded. The cases include: seven motor vehicle prohibitions served without impoundment; four 90 day impoundments; two three-day impoundments; one 12-hour prohibition; five 24-hour suspensions for alcohol, 16 24-hour suspensions for drugs; eight impaired drivers for alcohol; one impaired for drugs; six 7-day impoundments for speeding and one 7-day impoundment for no driver's license.
Sgt. Pat McTiernan of the Regional Provincial Traffic Services said the police have found the sanctions to be immediate, swift and having a significant impact, without the criminal record.
"The new Immediate Roadside Prohibition (IRP) legislation has expedited the processing of a first time impaired driver, while providing sufficient sanctions which create a deterrent from drinking and driving a second time.
"Police officers are able to take more impaired drivers off the road, thereby making the roads safer for others. Those who don't heed to the administrative sanctions, will then face the Criminal Process.
"The new administrative sanctions are making drivers think about the importance of their driving privileges and their vehicle. And so they should. Don't forget, driving is a privilege; not a right. This will hopefully result in fewer alcohol-related fatal and injury collisions."
Inspector Eric Brewer of North District Traffic Services said, "With the enactment of the new legislation I see an opportunity to save lives and reduce injuries.
"We have been hearing people complain they don't understand the new rules, but really nothing has changed except the penalties. We are asking the public to be responsible and not put themselves and others at risk by making poor choices."
During the first two weeks of the IRP legislation coming into effect, the Williams Lake RCMP and Cariboo Chilcotin Traffic Services removed 12 unsafe drivers from the roads.
Since Sept. 20, Williams Lake Mounties have impounded 12 vehicles, issued six three-day prohibitions and six 90-day prohibitions. Of the 12 investigations, only one case of refusing to provide a breath sample will be forwarded for charge approval.
"Williams Lake has historically had high numbers of impaired drivers investigated each year," said Sergeant Steve McLeod.
"This new legislation not only increases our members ability to take more impaired drivers off the road while taking less time, it allows our members to focus on chronic offenders and serious criminal crashes."
