Ontario Provincial Police say officers across the East Region have conducted more than 500 RIDE checkpoints since the launch of the annual Festive RIDE campaign on Nov. 20.
Police say hundreds of drivers have been stopped in locations stretching from Quinte West to the Quebec boundary and throughout the Ottawa Valley as officers target impaired driving during the holiday season.
So far, 49 drivers have been charged with impaired driving. Each faces a 90-day licence suspension, a seven-day vehicle impoundment and a future court date.
Officers also issued nine three-day suspensions to motorists who registered in the “warn” range on roadside screening devices.
The Festive RIDE campaign runs until Jan. 1, and OPP say drivers can expect checkpoints at any time, day or night.
Police are urging the public to call 911 if they suspect an impaired driver.
(Steve Berard)