Saskatoon police to help patrol highways ahead of Riders home opener

Saskatoon police are warning fans headed to the Roughriders’ home opener Friday in Regina to expect an increased police presence on the highways.

A release issued Friday morning stated members of the Saskatoon police traffic and combined traffic units would be helping RCMP patrol roads linking the two cities.

Drivers were advised to expect checkstops and other efforts to nab people who are distracted or impaired behind the wheel.

Passengers were also warned not to drink during the trip to and from the game, with police stating they will be operating under a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol being consumed or transported inside a vehicle’s passenger compartment.

With more police working on the roads, people were also reminded to slow down to 60 kilometres per hour when passing emergency vehicles with their lights flashing.

The Saskatoon police combined traffic unit is an SGI-funded initiative that pays for officers who split their time between patrolling within Saskatoon and on the highways around the city.