News release

Burnaby RCMP took 31 drivers off the road during summer impaired driving campaign

September 16, 2025 - Burnaby, British Columbia
From: Burnaby RCMP

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Burnaby RCMP Traffic Services took 31 impaired drivers off the road during their summer impaired driving campaign, equating to one impaired driver every second day.

The campaign began on July 1 and concluded on August 31, 2025. This enforcement was conducted throughout the City of Burnaby and at various times of the day.

“Focusing enforcement efforts on impaired driving remains a priority to Burnaby Traffic Services all year long, as alcohol and drug affected driving remain the leading cause of death on the roads,” said Sergeant Gary Johal of Burnaby RCMP Traffic Services. “This campaign’s goal was to raise awareness and to target impaired driving during peak season.”

There is no typical day, or traffic stop when it comes to policing, which was the experience of our officers during this campaign.

On July 3^rd, one officer observed a dump truck, swerving from median to median on Boundary Road near Marine Way. The officer conducted a traffic stop and the driver provided 2 breath samples; the driver blew a “FAIL.”  The dump truck driver was issued an immediate roadside prohibition (IRP), 3 additional violation tickets and the dump truck was impounded for 30 days.

On July 6^th, another officer located a driver who admitted to drinking beer while driving, just prior to being stopped. This driver failed the roadside breath tests and was issued a 90-day IPR.

During an impaired roadblock on July 27^th, Burnaby officers stopped an impaired driver who had 4 of their friends in the vehicle.  “This is an example of poor decision making, not only putting the other drivers on the road at risk, but their passengers,” said Sergeant Johal. “These passengers also have a responsibility to not let their impaired friend drive.”

In addition, during this campaign, one officer encountered an impaired driver who had received an immediate roadside suspension from him in April of this year.

“This is just a snapshot of what our Traffic Service officers encountered over their two-month campaign,” said Corporal Laura Hirst, Burnaby RCMP Media Relations Officer. “There are many options for drivers to plan for safe transportation. Please report suspected impaired drivers to your local police.”

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