Peel Regional Police, alongside policing partners from across the Greater Toronto Area, have officially initiated Project E.R.A.S.E. (Eliminating Racing Activities on Streets Everywhere) to confront the escalating issue of dangerous driving behaviors, particularly street racing. With a focus on education, strategic enforcement, and modifying social behavior, the project aims to crackdown on illegal street racing, a perilous activity that endangers the lives of community members.
This comprehensive project will target street racing incidents throughout Southwestern Ontario, emphasizing zero tolerance for such hazardous driving behaviors. Since the outset of 2024, Project E.R.A.S.E has already taken significant action, issuing over 850 Provincial Offences Notices, including 170 charges for stunt driving. These efforts have resulted in 49 arrests and 45 vehicle seizures, showcasing the commitment to curbing reckless driving on our roads.
In 2023 alone, Peel Regional Police issued a staggering 38,274 Highway Traffic Act offences, with 8,229 charges specifically related to speeding. Throughout the year, Project E.R.A.S.E investigated 941 vehicles, leading to a total of 1,230 driving-related charges. These statistics underscore the magnitude of the challenge posed by street racing and the urgent need for proactive measures to address it.
Road safety remains a paramount concern for Peel Regional Police, with officers dedicated to enforcing speed limits, combating aggressive and impaired driving, and implementing various other road safety initiatives. The launch of Project E.R.A.S.E reaffirms the commitment of law enforcement agencies to safeguarding our communities and ensuring that our roads are safe for all.
Members of the public are urged to report any instances of aggressive driving or street racing activities in the Region of Peel by contacting 905-453-3311. Additionally, driving complaints can be filed through the Road Watch Portal on the Peel Regional Police website or by reaching out to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or peelcrimestoppers.ca. With collective vigilance and cooperation, we can work towards eradicating the scourge of street racing from our streets and ensuring safer roads for everyone.
