Calgary police crackdown on street racing in SE
Posted May 16, 2023 7:57 pm.
Calgary police gave 90 tickets and 50 warnings in a crackdown operation meant to deter street races in the southeast Foothills area Friday and Saturday.
The strip near 76 Avenue and 68 Street SE is where dozens of people meet up to race and stunt in the street.
Officers say they set up roadblocks and barricades on select streets and were monitoring parking lots and traffic in the area.
On top of the tickets and the warnings, police gave out seven compliance directions notices meant to direct drivers to correct safety issues with their vehicles.
They also gave out two outstanding warrants, one criminal code charge of the dangerous operation of a motor vehicle for driving over 100 kilometres per hour over the speed limit, and a racing charge.
Police remind people that street racing is illegal and can have “severe consequences,” which include death or injury.
They also say Calgary’s industrial areas may seem deserted on the weekends, but that semi-trailers and other vehicles travel on those roads 24/7.
“Pedestrian observers at these activities are also at heightened risk — as there are no safety measures in place and drivers are not professional. The potential for serious collisions as a result of illegal street racing activity is significant,” said S Sgt. Robert Patterson.
“Any behaviour that causes a driver to act unpredictably or potentially lose control of a vehicle is very concerning. This includes racing, doughnuts, burnouts, drifting and other stunting activities.”
Police ask anyone with information about street racing or other dangerous driving activities to call them at 403-266-1234 or leave a tip anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
