They're on the roads and lakes this weekend

Fishing enthusiasts don’t require fishing licences this Family Day long weekend however, the rules of the road, trails and waterways do apply and to drive that message home area law enforcement agencies have joined forces to run RIDE checks on area lakes.

Acting Sergeant J. Kilroy with the Traffic Section of the North Bay Police Service says the joint efforts with the OPP and the MNR sends a strong message that disobeying the laws on the road or waterways will not be tolerated.

“It was just a matter of mentioning it to the OPP and the MNR they simply wanted to know what we needed and where we needed them and they were there to help, so as joint forces we are able to bring all the resources together; manpower and knowledge bring together and hopefully make a difference this weekend.”

“As I say the people of this area really do benefit from a strong relationship from all the services.”

Kilroy says the joint forces have encountered a number of violations in a short period and notes if you get caught disobeying the law your life will change.

“We’re finding that there is some disregard for the laws that are in place to maintain safety on the lake and we’re running into use of alcohol while people are operating snow machines, four wheelers, we’ve run into a number of drug issues, underage children driving snow machines – just a gamut of things.”

“For someone who chooses to drink and drive a snow machine and they come across us we’re going to change their life.”

“They’re going to be arrested. They’re going to have to provide a sample of their breath, if deemed to be over the legal limit they’re going to have a court date; they’re going to have to provide their photograph, their finger prints they’ll have to hire the services of a lawyer. But at the scene they’ll have their vehicle towed and impounded for at least seven days, they’re going to run into a bill in excess of $500 it’s simply not worth it. Not to mention that is if they don’t hurt anyone or themselves.”