RNC warning western Labrador snowmobilers to buy permits

Police in western Labrador are cracking down on snowmobilers who use groomed trails illegally.

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary carried out a two-day blitz on the weekend - checking snowmobilers on the White Wolf snowmobile trails to see if they have a proper stickers.

"We issued 21 warning tickets to snowmobilers who were on the trail without a pass," said Const. Robert Allen.

"Those snowmobilers have seven days to purchase and show proof of the snowpass to our RNC headquarters here in Labrador west."

But he said snowmobilers who break the rules soon will get more than a warning.

Allen said the next step will be to issue tickets that come with a fine of up to $200.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Snowmobile Federation has said it relies heavily on trail sticker sales in order to help provide the services it offers, including grooming of the trail network.