Checkpoints watch roads and trails

Feb. 16, 2009

MIRAMICHI - Breaking the law on New Brunswick's white gold could cost snowmobilers some green if they get caught by the province's off-road vehicle enforcement officers.

Over the weekend members of the enforcement unit teamed up with Miramichi police to conduct check stops around the city.

While local police stopped cars, the enforcement officers checked snowmobiles at points where trails crossed the roads.

Officer Brody Sisk was one of the enforcement officers who were out Saturday watching the trail crossings.

As he waited on the side of Route 8, Sisk said there are two officers stationed in Miramichi who check for things like registrations, insurance, trail passes and drunk riders.

"We split our time between public education and trail enforcement."

Three officers came from Fredericton to help with the check stops and their white snowmobiles lined the sides of the trails, blue and red lights flashing on their mirrors as they waited for riders to come along.

The distant whine of an engine gave them an early warning everytime a rider made his way through the woods to where the men stood in their yellow jackets or vests and fur hats.

Sisk said the unit started last February after training at the Atlantic Police Academy in P.E.I. and people are starting to become aware of their presence on the trails.

"A lot of people are starting to realize what's required to enjoy the sport safely."

Officers patrolling the trails can issue for fines for various offences including $172.50 for not having a valid trail pass and $604.50 for not having insurance.

While the off-road vehicle enforcement unit was watching the trails, Cst. Larry Matchett and Sgt. Bob Bruce were stopping vehicles on the road to check for expired drivers licences or registrations, drunk drivers and other infractions.

Matchett said they had a few scheduled days with check stops last year and try to do them when there is a big event going on in the city.

"We try to do quite a few."

The city held its White Gold festival during the weekend so they decided to partner with the off-road unit for the check stops, he said.

Although the off-road enforcement unit was in the city Saturday afternoon, Sisk said they patrol all of Northumberland County and split their time around different areas.

"We spend more time in certain areas if there are issues."

Checkpoints aren't just at road crossings and are often set up at junctions on the trails. The unit also patrols the trails and has helped stranded snowmobilers who run into trouble.

Sisk said people who travel off-road should always go in pairs or large groups and should be properly equipped in case something happens.

"It's important to be prepared for any emergency situation."

But even though they do penalize some riders, Sisk said the unit gets a lot of good feedback from people they talk to while out on the trails.

"They're happy to see we're making the trails safe."