Nearly $40,000 in fines issued for bylaw infractions at ‘unauthorized car rally’
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The ongoing crackdown on dangerous drivers in modified vehicles making excessive noise at “unauthorized car rallies” in Vaughan recently saw cops issue nearly $40,000 in fines.
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York Regional Police say Road Safety Bureau members have been “diligently patrolling” the areas where such car rallies are typically held as part of Operation Silent Night – launched in support of a March 26 Vaughan bylaw amendment in an effort to end the disturbing gatherings.
While the majority of car rally organizers have “complied,” officers spotted an unauthorized car rally in a plaza near Rutherford Rd. and Islington Ave. on May 23, police said in a statement released Thursday.
“Approximately 30 vehicles were observed to be driving in circles around the parking lot, revving their engines loudly, parking diagonally across numerous parking spots and playing music at excessive volumes,” Const. Kevin Nebrija said.
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“Drivers were observed to be performing stunts and squealing their tires,” he added.
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A total of 42 bylaw infractions were observed by officers, amounting to a total of $38,250 in fines.
Nebrija said these fines will be mailed to the registered owners of the vehicles involved.
“York Regional Police continue to grapple with the pressing issues stemming from the proliferation of illegal car rallies,” he said.
“Large, unauthorized car rallies result in a public safety threat due to dangerous driving and modified vehicles producing excessive noise,” Nebrija explained, adding such rallies also “attract an unwanted criminal element into the neighbourhoods.”
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He said Vaughan residents have been voicing their discontent over the noisy gathering, which extend late into the night.
“Participants put themselves and unsuspecting road users at risk of death or serious injury when they choose to drive dangerously, disobey laws, perform stunts and drive without due care and control with disregard for public safety,” Nebrija said.
“These stunts are often performed in front of groups of onlookers, who stand far too close to the dangerous activities in an effort to capture the next viral video for social media,” he added.
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