Daily Herald Staff
The Prince Albert Police Service(PAPS) recently partnered with SGI and other safety partners from police agencies across the province as part of a Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) initiative.
STEP is a multi-agency task force dedicated to improving traffic safety across Saskatchewan. Its members include municipal police agencies, the RCMP, Saskatchewan Highway Patrol, Canadian National and Canadian Pacific Police, and representatives from SGI and the Ministries of Justice and Finance
Officers were stationed at several locations around Prince Albert during the two-day safety blitz, held on Aug. 20 and 21, to educate drivers on vehicle and driving regulations and promote traffic safety.
The locations selected were based on an analysis of intersections and areas with a history of motor vehicle collisions.
During the enforcement blitz, nine drivers received provincial roadside suspensions after tests indicated the presence of marijuana in their systems, 47 mandatory alcohol screening tests were administered, resulting in four drivers receiving roadside licence suspensions, four drivers receiving roadside license suspensions, 78 drivers were ticketed for excessive speed, 35 drivers were fined for using their cell phones while driving and 50 drivers were cited for failing to wear their seat belts.
In total, 264 drivers received tickets for various infractions during the STEP initiative, and 242 drivers were issued written warnings or Vehicle Equipment Regulation Inspection citations.
Police also inspected sixty-one (61) car seats and provided fifteen (15) free car seats to the public.
STEP safety blitzes are conducted in various Saskatchewan communities each year, focusing on offences related to impaired driving, speeding, distracted driving, seatbelt use, unlicensed driving, and commercial vehicle violations.
Funding for selective traffic enforcement initiatives and Combined Traffic Services Saskatchewan (CTSS) patrols across the province is provided by SGI to support traffic safety on highways and roads throughout Saskatchewan.
