In a recent city council meeting, Peel Regional Police (PRP) representatives shared their ongoing efforts to enhance public safety and curb illegal street racing and stunt driving. The meeting, attended by key city officials, including Mayor Patrick Brown and Councillor Rowena Santos, highlighted the critical measures being implemented to ensure safer roads in Peel Region.
Inspector Shawn Rice, who represented Road Safety Services at PRP, emphasized the significance of road safety as a pillar of the community’s safety and well-being framework. He shared alarming statistics, revealing that 16 people have lost their lives in road-related incidents in Peel Region since the beginning of 2024.
To address these issues, PRP has intensified its enforcement efforts, issuing over 20,000 Highway Traffic Act offense charges this year alone. These include:
- 4,200 for speeding
- 400 for careless driving
- 1,300 for mufflers causing unnecessary noise
- 900 for stunt driving and racing
A major focus of the discussion was the persistent problem of car rallies and takeover events. These gatherings often involve dangerous activities like stunt driving and street racing, posing significant risks to public safety. Between May 29th and June 24th, 2024, PRP had to intervene at 21 such events in Brampton, where fireworks and gasoline were sometimes used to incite unruly behavior.
The council also discussed successful measures taken by the City of Vaughan, which has effectively reduced car rallies by amending its bylaws. A covert operation by York Regional Police at a car rally led to 42 charges and $38,000 in fines, showcasing the effectiveness of strict enforcement. Inspired by Vaughan’s success, PRP proposed similar amendments to Peel Region’s public nuisance bylaws to deter these dangerous events.
Councillor Santos, who has been actively collaborating with PRP to find solutions, supported the motion to review and tighten Brampton’s bylaws. “We need to ensure Brampton has effective measures to prevent spillover of car rallies and street racing from neighboring areas,” Santos stated. She emphasized the importance of local efforts in deterring illegal street racing and improving road safety.
Deputy Mayor also raised concerns about potential conflicts with constitutional rights to protest, particularly as some car rallies have been used for political demonstrations. PRP assured that each situation would be assessed individually to differentiate between illegal activities and lawful protests.
Noise from loud mufflers and speeding vehicles remains a significant issue in Brampton. Councillor Santos and Deputy Mayor Singh highlighted ongoing complaints from residents, prompting discussions about including tinted windows in the bylaw review to further address public nuisances.
The motion was approved, marking a significant step towards enhancing public safety and reducing illegal street racing and stunt driving in Peel Region. The council expressed appreciation for PRP’s commitment and collaborative efforts, reinforcing the community’s dedication to creating safer streets for all residents.
The implementation of these measures and continued vigilance by PRP and city officials will play a crucial role in making Peel Region a safer place to live, work, and drive.
