Almost half the impaired drivers nabbed between January and June received 90-day immediate roadside prohibitions.
Saanich police took 229 impaired drivers off the roads in the first six months of this year — fewer than during the same period last year but still too many, police said.
From January to June last year, 320 impaired drivers were nabbed. By the end of the year, the department had reached an all-time high with 628 drivers pinched for driving while under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
Police said patrols will be stepped up over the summer with roadblocks throughout the district.
Almost half the impaired drivers nabbed between January and June received 90-day immediate roadside prohibitions, either through failing a breath screening test or refusing to provide a breath sample.
More than 180 drivers — 78 per cent — had their vehicles impounded for three to 30 days.
More than half were stopped between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m., said police, and almost 20 per cent received 24-hour license suspensions.
Twelve drivers were impaired by drugs, while another nine held only a learner’s permit, and six had no licence at all or an invalid one, police said.
One driver was caught while operating a tractor-trailer unit and making a commercial delivery, said police.
“With so many options available — rideshare, cab, public transit, designated driver — there is no excuse to get behind the wheel while impaired by drugs or alcohol,” Saanich police said in a statement. “If you choose to drive impaired, when you are caught, you will face the consequences.”
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