Nanaimo RCMP are reminding the public of the dangers and impacts of street racing after locals report an increase in the area.
For some Nanaimo residents, the sound of revving engines and screeching tires in their neighbourhood has become unbearable.
One individual who spoke to Nanaimo RCMP, who wishes to remain anonymous, says there are gatherings of upwards of 30 vehicles in one of the parking lots at the North Town Centre Mall almost daily, where mostly young adult men gather to race around the lot.
Constable Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP said this is not the first they have heard of this issue. Officers have received many complaints of vehicles heard doing burnouts, drifting through the lot and even street racing.
Now, the Nanaimo RCMP Traffic Unit is taking the lead to prevent this.
On the evening of Saturday, February 19th, officers issued two drivers several violation tickets for ‘Driving without Consideration’ and ‘Excessive Noise’.
“Enforcement is being ramped up and we are serving notice to those participating in these illegal activities that it is going to stop,” said O’Brien.
Officers have also noted an increase in reports of street racing.
“The street racing takes this to an entirely different level as it is not only dangerous to those involved, it places other motorist and pedestrians at risk,” said O’Brien.
Drivers who are found stunting or street racing run the risk of having their vehicle impounded for seven days, receiving a hefty fine and, if you are a new driver, having their license suspended.
