Cochrane RCMP, Alberta Sheriffs, and  Alberta Commercial Vehicle Enforcement officers all partnered this past May long weekend to keep Cochrane primary and secondary highways safe. 

The three way partnership provided enhanced and significant coverage when it came to roving patrols and check stops around the Cochrane area.

While Cochrane RCMP, Sergeant David Hardy, Integrated Traffic Services, was pleased there were no major injury accidents or deaths on the roadways, a number of charges were still laid.

"Front country stats, there was 506 provincial traffic charges processed, 10 liquor tickets, and unfortunately there was five impaired drivers arrested for driving under the influence."

Beside the 5 impaired drivers, five 72 hour provincial suspension sanctions were issued out for drivers who had between 50-80 milligrams of alcohol in their system, as well as ten criminal code charges processed which includes controlled drugs and substances at traffic stops.

As far as the back country goes, Sgt. Hardy says Cochrane RCMP, Cochrane Search and Rescue, and Alberta Fish and Wildlife were out and about educating the public and providing enforcement.

"I only have the RCMP stats; there were six liquor tickets issued and eight off highway vehicle charges laid."

Even though there were a number of tickets and charges. Sgt. Hardy says numbers did not necessarily go up with the nice weather weekend.

"I think the numbers that we obtained were consistent; we've had a very consistent enforcement effort over the last five years on this weekend and in these areas so I think the message is out, people know we're going to be there and we have seen a lot better compliance than what it was five years ago." 

Although you can expect to see enhanced efforts made every long weekend into October, Sgt.Hardy says they will be using their resources as best they can to monitor both back and front countries regularly throughout the summer months.