Nine impaired drivers were taken off Kootenay highways during a two-day enforcement operation near Yahk last month.
BC Highway Patrol officers from Cranbrook and Nelson conducted the enforcement operation along highways 3 and 95 near Yahk on Oct. 23 and 24, targeting impaired driving and other road safety concerns.
The operation resulted in three 90-day immediate roadside prohibitions, two three-day prohibitions and three 24-hour prohibitions.
Police said one of the 24-hour prohibitions involved drug impairment. One repeat impaired driving offender was also arrested and is facing recommended Criminal Code charges.
Additionally, police impounded eight vehicles for periods ranging from three to 30 days.
In total, officers laid 44 charges during the operation, including those for a prohibited driver and two drivers caught travelling more than 40 kilometres per hour above the speed limit.
Illegal contraband tobacco was also seized during two separate incidents.
“Removing nine impaired drivers from our highways is a significant result. Every impaired driver we remove represents a potential tragedy prevented,” said Sergeant Brett Reiben with BC Highway Patrol Cranbrook.
“Our primary goal is to improve road and public safety. Working alongside our partners allowed for a strong and visible enforcement presence on our highways.”
Police add motorists can expect similar initiatives to continue throughout the Kootenay region to ensure the safety of all road users.
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