Calgary police support stiffer drinking and driving penalties
Posted Aug 28, 2012 12:18 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Calgary police say they fully support tougher enhancements to the impaired driving legislation set to kick in over the long weekend.
If you are pulled over after September 1, 2012, and blow between .05 and .08, you will receive an immediate three-day licence suspension and a three-day vehicle seizure.
“The changes don’t affect our job, it gives officers another tool in their tool kit to help make the roads safer in our city,” said Acting Inspector Michael Watterston. “Drink responsibly. If you are going to get behind the wheel, and if you have consumed a lot, have a plan, have a designated driver. There are a number of programs out there to allow you and your vehicle to get home. Call a cab.”
“We want to encourage drivers to plan ahead and make the right decisions for themselves, for their passengers and for other people on the road,” said Alberta Transportation Minister Ric McIver. “Since we passed this legislation last year, so many Albertans have already had these important conversations with their families and friends. We can all do something about preventable traffic collisions.”
The changes to the impaired driving legislation began Canada day, when penalties got tougher for people blowing over the legal limit.
Since July 1, 2012, 944 people have had their licence suspended, and over 600 vehicles were seized from people with a blood alcohol reading of over .08.
“This is 100 per cent about driver safety,” said Jonathan Denis, Minister of Justice and Solicitor General. “Nobody has the right to drive drunk. Alberta’s police will continue to enforce the existing rules and ensure drivers get to their destinations safe and sound.”
