Two drivers are facing multiple charges after getting pulled over just minutes along the same stretch of road in north Barrie.
Police say officers were patrolling near Georgian Drive and Duckworth Street shortly before 5 p.m. Friday when they spotted an SUV creeping through the intersection with its hazard lights on, causing traffic to back up behind it. The vehicle stopped in the eastbound lanes, prompting officers to pull in behind with emergency lights to warn other drivers.
A records check revealed the SUV had unconfirmed insurance, expired registration, and a registered owner who was unlicensed. During the investigation, police say the 27-year-old Toronto man admitted he knew the registration had lapsed and that the insurance had not been renewed.
As a result, he was charged with operating a motor vehicle without insurance, driving a vehicle with no licence, and driving a vehicle that did not have a current validated permit.
While officers were dealing with that situation, an ambulance came off Highway 400 northbound with lights and sirens activated. Police say a second SUV, travelling directly ahead of the ambulance, continued through the intersection even as other vehicles stopped. Police say the ambulance had to change siren patterns to get the driver's attention before safely getting through.
Officers pulled over the SUV and, during a check, found it also had unconfirmed insurance and an expired registration. Police say the 29-year-old Barrie man confirmed he could not provide proof of insurance.
He was charged with operating a vehicle without insurance, driving a vehicle without a current validated permit, and failing to stop for an emergency vehicle.
"Police remind motorists that even routine traffic issues — whether travelling in a way that disrupts traffic flow or failing to yield to emergency responders — can have serious safety consequences for other drivers and first responders trying to reach those in need," police said in a news release.
