The Portage la Prairie RCMP are happy to report between December 31st and January 1st there were no impaired driving charges laid. Media Liaison Officer Larry Neufeld notes it was great to see these results.

 "I'm hoping people are getting the message that this is not tolerable," says Neufeld. "We do have various options in the Portage area to get home safe that come without the additional charges and a criminal record for an impaired charge."

Neufeld adds it's going to be interesting to see how the statistics are in the new year. He explains this is because the new legislation to administer a breathalyzer test whenever will either deter people from driving impaired or allow the RCMP to catch more people driving under the influence. Neufeld stresses the primary goal is to ensure everyone arrives at their destinations safely.