News release - Barrie Police Service
Community-raised concerns have not gone unheard regarding noisy, modified vehicles that also aren't compiling with the Highway Traffic Act (HTA).
On Saturday, August 13, the Barrie Police Service Traffic Unit hosted a collaborative joint-forces initiative called Project ERASE which saw officers from York Regional Police and the OPP join local officers combat this issue.
ERASE stands for Eliminate Racing Activity on Streets Everywhere and involves ten partner agencies which include the Ministry of the Environment.
Police say it focuses on reducing incidents of street racing and noise complaints through coordinated education, prevention, and enforcement.
As officers set out to provide enforcement in areas identified by complaints received from the community, officers say they came across a large unsanctioned event involving hundreds of modified pick-up trucks and well over 1000 people taking place in the Sadlon Arena parking lot.
Police say they very quickly realized that there was a need to re-focus their planned enforcement initiative and deal with this event which they effectively and very professionally did after a number of attendees chose to utilize the parking area and mare the surface with manoeuvres that are normally reserved for a racetrack.
By dispersing the crowd and the vehicles, some of whom attempted to set up in nearby Park Place, enforcement efforts resulted in a total of 81 charges being laid which included 77 Highway Traffic Act, 1 Criminal Code, 2 Liquor Licence Act and 1 charge under the Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act.
The Barrie Police Service thanks partner agencies for their attendance and assistance Saturday night as their collective efforts had an impact on the outcome of this event.
Residents and modified motor vehicle enthusiasts can expect to see ERASE members return to Barrie in the near future.
Although the exact dates will not be disclosed, additional dates have been identified to deal with this province-wide community plaguing problem that can focus on motor vehicles, and their owners who choose to use noisy aftermarket equipment.
Banner image - file photo - Barrie 360
