Province increases funding for RIDE programs

TORONTO - Police across the province are getting more funding this year to check for drunk drivers on Ontario roads.

The province is doubling funding to $2.4 million.

The money will be distributed to police to conduct RIDE checks in 170 communities across Ontario.

Community Safety Minister Rick Bartolucci says the funding boosts will help police get more drunk drivers off the road.

Officers performed more than 500,000 roadside checks last year and charged more than 450 people.