EDMONTON, Alta. — Alberta is cracking down on drivers who continue to drive after their licence has been suspended.

Drivers caught operating a vehicle while their licence is suspended will have their vehicle seized by the province and impounded for 30 days. The length of the seizure is 60 days for second-time offenders.

"The purpose of the program is to reduce the number of drivers who continue to drive after their licences have been suspended for impaired driving or other offences," said Gary Boddez, chair of the Transportation Safety Board. "The public also needs to understand the seriousness of lending a vehicle to a suspended driver."

The owner of the vehicle is also required to pay a storage fee of up to $25 per day while the vehicle is impounded. There are also costly procedures in place for vehicle owners who wish to have their vehicle seizure overturned early.

"Often seized vehicles belong to friends, family members and employers. People who lend their vehicles should be aware that in addition to the loss of the vehicle there is the issue of insurance and the owner’s responsibility when a suspended driver is involved in a collision. The owner must ensure the person driving the vehicle has a valid driver’s licence or face the fees and inconvenience if their vehicle is seized," added Boddez.