It was Spring Splash in Kimberley this past weekend and RCMP paid special attention to it with check stops on Gerry Sorensen Way to scoop up any of those who chose to drink and drive.
The check stop did result in one impounded vehicle, and two others were impounded in different areas of Kimberley over the weekend.
Kimberley RCMP Cpl. Chris Newel reports that at 10 a.m. on April 6, police were called to a minor collision on Rotary Drive.
“A breath sample was obtained which resulted in a “Fail”, Newel said. “That driver is now prohibited from driving for 90 days and his vehicle has been impounded for 30 days.”
Up at the road block, at about 7 p.m. police observed a vehicle turn off Gerry Sorensen Way approaching the road block. The vehicle was followed into Trickle Ridge and stopped.
“While dealing with the driver the officer noted signs of alcohol consumption,” Newel said. “A breath sample was obtained, which was a “Fail”. He is prohibited from driving for 90 days and his vehicle is also impounded for 30 days. He also received a violation ticket for Open Liquor in a Motor Vehicle which is $230.”
Later that day, a police officer noted a motorcycle traveling at a high rate of speed near Forest Crowne. Newel says the motorcycle was clocked at 125 in an 80 km zone.
“As a result the operator was issued a violation ticket for excessive speed ($368) and the motorcycle was impounded for seven days,” he said. “In addition the operator did not have an approved helmet. This is another expensive fine and the motorcycle can be impounded under that section as well.”
Total costs to an offender for a 90 day prohibition and 30 day vehicle impound can run to almost $4,000 with towing, impound fees and more.