Kamloops RCMP say the municipal traffic unit is ramping up roadside checks this month.

Corporal Jodi Shelkie says the unit was out in force this past weekend.

“They conducted four checkstops throughout the city and checked over 850 vehicles. There were six 9-day immediate roadside suspensions, three 3-day immediate roadside suspensions and one roadside suspension for drugs issued.”

Shelkie says people need to make a plan for how to get home before they go out and stick to it.

“It’s not so much that there’s a higher likelihood of people driving under the influence, it’s that there are occassions when more people will be out celebrating. And we just want to make them aware, so this is kind of an education and prevention tool. We’re hoping if people see these counter attack check stops, they’re going to realize there are serious consequences. You know if you’re going to be drinking alcohol or doing drugs that you need to make a plan.”

She says that can include taking a taxi, using public transport, getting a ride or using Operation Red Nose among other methods.