Hundreds of drivers stopped for speeding, impairment around Shambhala Music Festival, B.C. police say

A police road targeting Shambhala Music Festival attendees near Salmo, B.C., is seen in a handout image.

Police pulled over hundreds of drivers for alleged speeding or drug impairment around last month’s Shambhala Music Festival, according to B.C. Highway Patrol.

Authorities said they issued more than 800 tickets and towed dozens of vehicles before, during and after the electronic music festival, which is held every year in the community of Salmo.

“The temperatures were high and a little uncomfortable for officers working long days in full uniform,” said Cpl. Michael McLaughlin, in a statement. “But it’s clear this enforcement was necessary. Police officers were particularly concerned about getting impaired drivers and unsafe vehicles off the road, and they were right to be concerned.”

This year’s festival was held from July 25 to 28.

B.C. Highway Patrol said officers began watching for problem drivers on the mountain passes into Salmo on July 21, and continued until Shambhala’s opening day.

During that time, they handed out 360 tickets for speeding and nine more for excessive speeding, the latter defined as going more than 40 km/h over the posted limit.

They also issued 11 tickets for not having insurance, plus 11 notices for driving unsafe or mechanically unsound vehicles.

Police also watched for impaired driving as people were leaving the festival. McLaughlin said they issued 59 immediate roadside suspensions for drugged driving, and have launched 24 criminal investigations for the same.

Headliners at this year’s festival included Andy C, Apashe, Big Gigantic, Channel Tres, Glass Beams and Rezz.