Prince George, B.C.-  Police keep racking up the numbers of vehicles impounded  and  licenses suspended since the new  sanctions for  drinking and driving,  and excessive  speeding  came into place September 20th.

Prince George Detachment members, RCMP Traffic Services and North District Integrated Traffic Services  have impounded 44 vehicles in the following cases;

 7 - Motor vehicle Prohibitions Served (not impounded)
 4 - IRP - 90 day impoundments
 2 - IRP - 3 day impoundments
 1 - 12 Hour Prohibition GLP
 5 - Section 215 / 24-Hr Suspension (alcohol) 
16 - Section 215 / 24-Hr Suspension (drugs)
 8 - Impaired Driving C.C.C. (alcohol)
 1 - Impaired Driving C.C.C. (drugs)
 6 - Excessive Speeding Impounds 7 days
 1 - No Driver's Licence Impound 7 days

Police enforcement actions will not change with the new legislation. The British Columbia RCMP will continue to conduct strategic enforcement initiatives in order to keep our roadways safe. Members continue to patrol our northern roads throughout Prince George, Vanderhoof, Quesnel, Mackenzie, McBride and Valemont areas.

Sgt. Pat McTiernan of the Regional Provincial Traffic Services advises, "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. The police have found the sanctions to be immediate, swift and have a significant impact, without the criminal record. 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."

"With the enactment of the new legislation I see an opportunity to save lives and reduce injuries.” States Inspector Eric Brewer of North District Traffic Services. “ We have been hearing people complain they don't understand the new rules but really nothing has changed just the penalties. We are asking the public to be responsible and not put themselves and others at risk by making poor choices. This is simple, you don't need to pay or suffer any of these penalties, make the right choices, don't drink and drive and drive in a manner that doesn't risk the lives and safety of others."