Unit targets impaired drivers

The one-year pilot project began Dec. 20 with the unit’s first deployment the following day.

Four traffic services officers along with officers from Bridgewater and Kentville make up the police unit.

Halifax RCMP Corporal NCO i/c Pat Moran said they have checked about 1,200 vehicles so far.

“Out of those 1,200 we’ve written up probably 40 or so for a variety of things,” including no license, expired plates and speeding, he stated.

The unit has completed seven roadside screenings for alcohol, with three passes, one warning and three who failed, he added.

They have also made four or five small seizures of narcotics, had a couple of repeat suspended drivers along with other infractions.

Basically, the unit picks a place at random, takes over an intersection and starts laying down enforcement rules, said Moran.

“Alcohol continues to be the leading contributing factor to fatal collisions in our province,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister Murray Scott when the police unit was announced. “This team of dedicated professionals will be involved in enforcing federal and provincial laws pertaining to impaired driving on a full time basis for the next year.”

The Chester RCMP detachment is acting as the project’s base.

The police unit covers Lunenburg, Queens, Shelburne, Yarmouth, Annapolis, Kings and Digby Counties.

Moran is hoping the increased level of enforcement will send the message that impaired driving is not acceptable.

“So, we’re coming to a county and town near you,” he said.

Funding for the program is possible through existing budgets from the Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal, Justice, Health Promotion and Protection and Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations.