Winnipeg – NEWS – Winnipeg Police have cancelled their usual Checkstop Program for 2020. The move comes as a result of Provincial Health Orders.
Winnipeg Police report that “Despite closures of licensed establishments and restrictions to our social contacts both inside and outside of our homes, the Winnipeg Police Service has continued to see incidents of impaired driving”.
“As a consequence of the Provincial Health Order, the 2020 Holiday Checkstop Program will look different this year. While we will not be relying on defined checkpoints, our officers will be out in force throughout the city to ensure our streets remain safe through the holiday season.”
The police are working to ensure safety on the streets despite the program changes.
- Between December 1-15, 2020, nine adults aged 25 to 41 were charged with impaired driving offences.
- Many of these impaired events occurred during morning and evening rush hour, which is concerning as more motorists and pedestrians are on the roads.
- Four incidents involved motor vehicle collisions, where the drivers were impaired by alcohol. There were no serious injuries as a result.
- All of the impaired drivers had a blood alcohol concentration of at least twice the statutory limit, with the worst offender having more than three times the limit.
Although Operation Red Nose is not operating this year, police are asking that people choosing to go our, and consume alcohol take advantage of taxis, ride-sharing and transit options that are still operational during the current Pandemic restrictions.
