Saanich Police stopped , marking the highest number recorded since B.C.'s implementation of the Immediate Roadside Prohibition (IRP) program in 2010. 

Last year鈥檚 numbers surpassed the previous record of 468 impaired drivers stopped in 2023.

Among those targeted, 110 drivers received a 24-hour licence suspension for alcohol-related impairment, while 43 were given the same penalty for drug-related issues. Another 11 drivers lost their licences for seven days and two faced a 30-day suspension. 

A record 278 drivers lost their licences for 90 days 鈥� more than twice the 2023 number 鈥� after failing a roadside screening test or refusing a breath sample.

All drivers penalized under the IRP program had their vehicles impounded for periods ranging from three to 30 days.

Of those stopped, 37 drivers (13 per cent) held a learner鈥檚 permit. A total of 18 were under driving prohibitions, 10 were in the interlock program for past alcohol-related offences, and 21 had completed it.

Saanich Chief Const. Dean Duthie expressed concern over the rising numbers.

鈥淲hile I recognize and commend our officers for their commitment, hard work, and dedication to ensure that Saanich streets are safe, setting records for impaired drivers caught in back-to-back years is very concerning,鈥� said Duthie. 鈥淚mpaired driving is selfish and endangers everyone in our community.鈥�

Duthie added that the department will continue allocating resources to remove impaired drivers from the streets, ensuring they face the consequences proportional to their actions.