Police using tech to catch disqualified drivers

Police in Saskatchewan are getting more automated licence plate readers to scan traffic for disqualified drivers.

Fifteen of the digital devices are being installed in patrol vehicles across the province this week. Another 17 will be installed by the end of January.

The plate readers use infra-red technology to scan licence plates. Police are alerted if a plate is linked to a person wanted by police, a stolen or unregistered vehicle, or a suspended driver.

The province says a lot of drivers get disqualified because of alcohol-related offences, so the initiative fits in with its anti-impaired driving program. 

With the latest two batches added, there will be a total of 47 plate readers in use by RCMP and municipal police paid for by Saskatchewan Government Insurance.

SGI is spending about $1.3 million on the scanners.