New impaired driving measures introduced by the Ministry of Transportation on January 1 are already being enforced across Niagara.
The changes include longer administrative license suspensions for alcohol-related offences and increasing a first “Alert” roadside suspension from three days to seven.
Niagara Regional Police conducted R.I.D.E. checks in Welland and Niagara Falls on January 16, stopping about 300 vehicles. 18 drivers were screened, with five registering an “Alert” and receiving the new 7-day suspension.
Police also arrested a 55-year-old Niagara Falls man after he registered a “Fail,” resulting in a 90-day license suspension and a 7-day vehicle seizure. And, in Welland, another driver was arrested after providing false identification and was found to be wanted on an outstanding warrant.
(Written by: Brandon Warby)