To ensure the road is safe for all users, an independent security firm (Deton/Cho Scarlet Security Services and in the past SECURECheck security staff patrol the road 24 hours a day. This team is made up of between 15 and 18 officers that are based out of the three maintenance camps. They are there to protect the ice by ensuring that all drivers on the road are following the stringent Regulations and Rules. Unacceptable practices can result in verbal warnings, written warnings, 5-day or 7-day suspensions, and even being banned for the season.
Radar guns are used to clock speeds just as national and provincial police forces. Similar to all road supervisors, each security vehicle is equipment with LAD 1 radios and MSAT (Satellite phones) so that they can assist drivers if they have a spin out on a portage, experience engine problems and breakdown.
Historical Infractions Issued (2005-2009)
Year | # of Verbal Cautions | # of Written Warnings | # of Speeding Violations | #of 5-day Suspensions | Bans from the Road |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2005 | 75 | 15 | 4 | 5 | 2 |
2006 | 109 | 19 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
2007 | 99 | 5 | 9 | 9 | 7 |
2008 | 62 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 3 |
2009 | 68 | 20 | 12 | 13 | 8 |
2010 | 80 | 9 | 32 | 29 | 7 |
2011 | 32 | 50 | 23 | 23 | 2 |
In addition, joint venture representatives, and regulators from the federal Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, Environment Canada, Government of the Northwest Territories Highways, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police conduct regular inspections throughout the season.