The Saskatoon Police Service has received numerous traffic complaints over the last several months as it relates to vehicles gathering in various locations across the city. Many of these complaints stemmed from aggressive driving behaviour, noise and a lack of physical distancing in the midst of a pandemic.

In one particular incident on September 13, 2020, a person reported losing control and colliding with a cement barrier as a result of racing. Thankfully the person was not seriously injured.

As a result of ongoing complaints, an abundance of concern for public safety, and information received about several planned gatherings, the SPS executed an operational plan last weekend.

In total, Police conducted enforcement in seven different locations as investigation revealed that many participants would re-group at various other locations following police enforcement. At one particular gathering, there were approximately 140 vehicles and the SPS Air Support Unit observed them racing and driving in a dangerous manner that posed a risk to public safety.

The following are the results of the two day operational plan:

• 89 tickets
• 15 vehicle equipment regulation infractions
• 6 x 30 day vehicle impoundments
• 5 vehicles were seized for racing
• 3 x full vehicle inspections
• 1 x 30 day suspension
• 1 x Criminal Code charge for Dangerous Driving (a news release was issued in regards to this on Monday)

Police received over 25 calls for service from the public over the course of the two-day operational plan as a result of aggressive driving behaviours.

“We can't wait for these types of dangerous driving behaviours to result in tragedy to take action,” says Staff Sergeant Devon Racicot of the SPS Traffic Unit. “Moving forward, we will continue to monitor these types of events and take the necessary action to keep Saskatoon roads safe for all users.”