BC Highway Patrol issued over 800 tickets, conducted 83 drug-impaired driving investigations, and towed dozens of vehicles during a multi-day road safety operation for the Shambhala Music Festival near Salmo.From July 21 to 25, police focused on high-traffic mountain passes leading to the festival — including the Kootenay, Bombi, and Paulson passes —targeting speeders and unsafe vehicles. Officers handed out more than 700 tickets, including 360 for speeding, nine for excessive speeding, and 11 for driving without insurance. Another 11 vehicles were flagged as unsafe or mechanically unsound.As the festival ended, BC Highway Patrol and Nelson police set up enforcement points to monitor drivers heading home. .That effort led to about 60 vehicles being towed due to mechanical issues or driver impairment, 59 roadside suspensions for drug impairment, and 24 Criminal Code investigations for drug-impaired driving.“The temperatures were high and a little uncomfortable for officers working long days in full uniform,” said Cpl. Michael McLaughlin. “But it’s clear this enforcement was necessary.” Police say getting impaired drivers and unsafe vehicles off the road was a priority — and results confirmed that concern was well-founded.
