Halton police reckon with fast and furious drivers
Published November 4, 2020 at 1:28 pm
More than 1,400 charges have been filed across Halton against reckless drivers and those with noisy cars.
The crackdown by Halton Regional Police has been running since June and was recently completed. Called Project #Noisemaker, police launched the campaign in response to public complaints about racing and cars that have been jacked-up to make them louder.
Car owners who fall into this category usually create the racket by removing mufflers or modifying exhaust systems which enhances the noise when they drive fast. Such modifications are generally illegal and can make the vehicle unsafe.
More than 40 vehicles were removed from the streets as part of the blitz for various reasons including defects (causing the vehicle to be unfit), improper licences and stunt driving legislation.
Further, as a result of the campaign, police laid 1,420 charges. Almost half the charges stem from having an improper or no muffler. Another 400 charges were made against drivers for unnecessary noise. Twelve charges were also filed for racing and driving at excessive speeds.
Other charges were primarily for vehicle defects, moving violations, licence violations, licence plate violations, violations of the Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act, and violations of the Environmental Protection Act (removal of vehicle emissions components).
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Project #Noisemaker was also successful in interrupting an unsanctioned “Mega Meet” of an estimated 800 vehicles which was to occur on private property in the town of Oakville without approval of the landowner, according to police.
In addition to region-wide efforts, Project #Noisemaker also engaged in a partnership with the Town of Oakville Municipal Enforcement Service to crackdown on motorcycles creating unacceptable noise in contravention of Oakville’s motorcycle noise bylaws. In this operation, officers completed 56 motorcycle inspections and issued 17 provincial offence notices for motorcycles causing noise in excess of the town bylaws.
Halton residents can contact police at any time to file driving complaints or request enforcement of a particular area.
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