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"A Family Tradition for 134 Years" PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, December 14, 1999 - 3 Police frustrated b By Chris Hall Port Perry Star Despite increased enforcement and higher fines and penalties, motorists continue to drink and drive, say police. Durham Regional Police checked more than 6,000 vehicles over the past weekend during their annual Holiday RIDE program, and charged a total of 11 motorists with exceeding the legal blood-alcohol limit. They also adminis- tered 207 roadside breath tests and issued 40 twelve-hour suspensions while operating spot checks in Oshawa, Whitby, Bowmanville, Ajax, Pickering, and Courtice. Police also charged seven motorists for impaired driving and two others for refusing to give a breath sample. Other charges laid include pos- session of a controlled substance, and consump- tion of alcohol by drivers governed by the graduat- ed licensing system. Obviously, the mes- sage about drinking and driving is not getting across to some people, said media spokesperson Sgt. Jim Grimley, "It's definitely not get- ting out there. We're not seeing an increase in drinking and driving, but we're also not seeing the reduction we were hoping for either," he said. Apparently, increased police presence and reminders by the media aren't helping either, said Sgt. Grimley. "It's very disappoint- ing, really. We certainly have increased our num- bers... the officers work- ing on the RIDE initia- tive," he said. "There are more and more officers out there on the RIDE patrols and the thought of being apprehended should be greater, but there is no decrease... we're just not seeing the numbers go down." In comparison to last year, Durham Police have checked a total of 18,325 in three weeks, compared to 22,700 over the same time frame in 1998. A total of 485 people have been given roadside breath tests so far this year, while 358 were administered last year in the first three weeks of the initiative. The num- ber of 12-hour suspen- sions handed out has also been similar over the two years, with 86 being issued this year com- pared to 89 at this time in 1998. A total of 27 people stopped by RIDE have been charged with exceeding the legal blood- alcohol limit so far in Message isn't getting through, says spokesman 1999. There were 41 identical, although they settling down. We're see- motorists charged with stopped more vehicles ing a large increase in the same offense at this last year," said Sgt. the number of 12-hour time last year. Grimley. suspensions, so there is "If you look at the "However, the number obviously still a large numbers, the 12-hour of (exceeding the legal number of people who suspensions are almost limit) charges seem to be take the chance of drink- y number of im ing and driving... they're having a couple for the road and trying to limit themselves, but, I guess, some of them aren't stop- ping themselves soon enough." paired charges During the third week of the 1999 initiative, a total of 40 people were issued 12-hour suspen- sions while 11 were charged with impaired driving Cozy Fun Furs Vests, coats and jackets in the season's coziest fun fur styles. sportswear, jackets & more. For all t men and women on your list. CAE Festive Fashions Christmas patterned c sweaters for women. for the holiday season CHAPS for Him Polar Fleece 1/2 zips, jersey knits, hats and more. For your favourite guy! Our Millennium Hair by David's Hairstyling Photography courtesy of Veni Vidi. Clockwise: left to right; Sharon Jones, Carol Williamson, Linda Romano and Jennifer Grander OPEN WEEKNIGHTS UNTIL 8:30PM FOR YOU DPR@CCK'S for Kids Free Gift Wrapping 905-985-2521 Tommy Hilfiger for Christmas A vast selection of leisurewear, jeans, Printed turtlenecks and Makeover Winners! Wearing Holiday 2000 fashions from Brock's BR@CK'S 168 - 178 Queen Street, Port Perry he on your list! otton Perfect og R SHOPPING CONVENIENCE RAE 3 They want POKEMON! Backpacks, bags, hats, gloves... everything for the Pokémon fan Celestial Gifts Unique picture frames, aromatic diffusers and candle holders "ON foot Cider & Goodies on Vieekends