Stopping the stunt drivers is what Peel Regional Police, along with Mississauga byaw officers, set out to do during a community safety enforcement project over Labour Day weekend.
The unified forces laid nearly 250 driving-related charges and seized 14 vehicles in the area of Ridgeway Plaza in Mississauga after community concerns about stunt driving and related driving issues in this area.
Peel Regional Police dedicated nearly 60 officers and more than 20 hours from Aug. 31-Sept. 1.
The final tally was 195 Highway Traffic Act, Part 1 charges (speeding, unnecessary muffler noise, illegal tinted windows), 43 Highway Traffic Act, Part 3 Summons (stunt driving, street racing), 66 bylaw/parking-related offences and one Criminal Code arrest.
“Road safety is one of the top priorities for Peel Regional Police and we are committed to ensuring our roads remain safe for everyone,” said Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah in a statement. “Having a driver’s licence is a privilege and requires driving responsibly. We will continue dedicating resources to identify, locate, and actively enforce traffic laws within our region.
“Thank you to all our officers and the City of Mississauga partners that made this project a success.”
Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish added in a statement: “Huge thanks to Peel Regional Police and City Enforcement staff for this weekend’s coordinated effort at Ridgeway Plaza — a serious disrupting influence in a residential community. Families in the area have suffered from noise, dangerous car racing, and debris blowing through their neighbourhoods. Working together, long-term permanent solutions will be implemented.”
Anyone with information concerning aggressive driving or street-racing activities in Peel is asked to call 905-453-2121 ext. 3750, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or visit peelcrimestoppers.ca.