Nanaimo RCMP officers are cracking down on street racing and “stunting” after many complaints about revving engines and screeching tires in some areas.
A resident near the Nanaimo North Town Centre mall, where the activity is a daily occurrence, told police the noise is unbearable at times.
Police said 30 or more vehicles driven by predominantly young males will gather in one of the mall parking lots and drive around.
Const. Gary O’Brien said the RCMP’s traffic unit has fielded “one too many calls from residents who are sick and tired of constant tires screeching.”
“Enforcement is being ramped up and we are serving notice to those participating in these illegal activities that it is going to stop.”
Police have stepped up patrols of the mall parking lots, a gathering place for street racers.
“The street racing takes this to an entirely different level, as it is not only dangerous to those involved, it places other motorists and pedestrians at risk,” O’Brien said.
Two drivers were ticketed on the night of Feb. 19 for excessive noise and driving without reasonable consideration.
Stunting and street racing could lead to a seven-day vehicle impoundment, a substantial fine and a licence suspension for new drivers, police said. “Stunting” is reckless driving and trying to do tricks like laying rubber.
