Ste. Anne Police has now released statistics from its month-long traffic enforcement campaign in August.
According to Chief Marc Robichaud, the campaign resulted in 254 enforcement actions between August 1st and 31st. He says speeding and high-risk drivers topped the list.
Robichaud says officers focused on Highway 1, Highway 12, and key intersections in Ste. Anne and the surrounding area, including Steinbach. They recorded 188 speeding offences, along with 18 unregistered vehicles, 10 uninsured drivers, four motorists without valid licenses, and eight driving while disqualified. Officers also dealt with three Criminal Code impaired driving arrests, three Immediate Roadside Prohibitions (IRPs), and one drug and alcohol suspension.
The Ste. Anne Police Chief says this campaign would not have been possible without the backing of the Manitoba Public Insurance Enhanced Enforcement Program, which provides funding to police agencies across the province to put extra boots on the ground.
"Quite simply, without MPI's support, this campaign doesn't happen," says Robichaud. "Their investment allows us to run dedicated patrols that take uninsured and disqualified drivers off the road, intercept impaired drivers, and send a strong message to speeders that there are consequences for irresponsible driving. That's not just enforcement, it's prevention."
Robichaud says the program has been credited with helping smaller municipal police services like Ste. Anne extend their reach. Officers in this campaign were able to cover Highway 1 and 12 corridors, residential trouble spots, and even surrounding communities such as Steinbach, issuing both tickets and 53 warnings for equipment and minor traffic violations.
Robichaud notes the partnership is a model of how collaboration can save lives.
"When we're out there stopping dangerous drivers, it's because MPI recognized the risk and gave us the means to address it," says Robichaud. "That's the kind of teamwork Manitobans expect from their public agencies."
With fall approaching, Robichaud says they plan to continue high-visibility patrols, particularly along Highway 1 and Highway 12, with speed and impaired driving enforcement remaining top priorities.