More warnings than tickets given out during May long check stops: RCMP

Saskatchewan RCMP officers handed out more warnings than tickets during check stops conducted over the May long weekend.

According to the RCMP, a four-day road safety initiative in North Battleford, Glaslyn and Turtleford saw 243 warnings handed out compared to 96 tickets.

During those check stops, the RCMP said officers also handed out 24 inspection tickets for vehicle equipment violations, two three-day licence suspensions for alcohol, one charge for impaired driving, two vehicle impoundments, three open alcohol charges, one charge for a minor in possession of alcohol, and 14 charges for driving with a suspended licence.

Police also identified 20 unregistered vehicles and 10 unregistered trailers, the RCMP added.

Last Friday, the RCMP also had officers out stopping vehicles on Highway 4 north of North Battleford.

After checking between 200 and 250 vehicles, police handed out 25 tickets and issued 93 warnings.

During that check stop, police also handed out 15 inspection tickets and five charges for suspended licences. The officers also identified five unregistered vehicles and three unregistered trailers.

“You can tell by the number of warnings issued that our goal was road safety education this weekend,” Cpl. Ray Bouchard of the RCMP’s Combined Traffic Services Unit said in a statement.

“Our officers provided guidance to motorists when vehicle equipment violations were identified. One example of this was a golf cart being towed on a trailer which required extra straps to secure it properly. Because the weather is just warming up, we wanted to ensure issues were identified now so people towing boats, trailers and campers are safely travelling on the road all season long.”