Annual Check Stop campaign saw a reduction in impaired drivers

By Lethbridge Herald on January 7, 2026.

By Alexandra Noad,

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter- Lethbridge Herald

The Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) has concluded its annual Christmas Check Campaign and saw a reduction in impaired drivers compared the previous year.

The goal of the Check Stop Campaign is to not only locate and apprehend impaired drivers from the road and also act as a deterrent to those who might otherwise get behind the wheel while intoxicated.

This year, police stopped 1,768 vehicles and removed four impaired drivers from the road along with issuing seven IRS Cautions to drivers with a blood alcohol concentration between 0.05-0.079.

LPS also issued 103 violation tickets, three criminal charges for failing to stop and executed three warrants.

Police stopped over 500 more vehicles compared to last year and saw 60 per cent less IRS sanction fails.

This year also saw a decrease in violation tickets, criminal charges and warrants.

Sgt Tony Romotowski of the Traffic Response Unit says he is optimistic about these results and the LPS will continue to educate on the dangers of impaired driving.

“While enforcement and education efforts will continue, these results are encouraging and we hope to see this trend continue.”

LPS expressed their gratitude to Alberta Sheriffs and RCMP and volunteers with the Lethbridge and Area chapter of MADD Canada for their assistance during the campaign. They also expressed their appreciation to the majority of drivers who were sober and drove responsibly during the holiday season.