Manner of driving remains one of the top complaints from the Citizens of Winnipeg.
This year unfortunately, we have experienced 22 fatal motor vehicle collisions to date. A number that is far too high.
In the Spring of 2024, West District Community Support Unit members began an investigation regarding a large group of car enthusiasts who were travelling throughout Winnipeg and adjacent municipalities, driving in a dangerous manner causing mischief and disturbances.
Between May 15th, and September 6th, 2024, 37 calls for service for instances of vehicles racing, squealing tires and acts of dangerous driving on large surface parking lots were received.
The majority of these incidents occurred between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. amplifying frustration amongst Winnipeg residents due to the excessive noise and safety concerns.
The Winnipeg Police Service worked closely with business owners of the parking lots, with some investing in security cameras, and other infrastructure improvements to thwart this unwanted behavior.
During the course of the investigation, several dangerous driving offences and disruptive behavior were captured on video surveillance.
The first video depicts three vehicles purposely taunting, circling, and performing slow speed donuts around an On-Site Security vehicle.
In another incident, an individual was observed laying on the hood of a vehicle as it travelled in excess of 120 km/h down a 50 km/h zone in an industrial park.
In another instance, investigators obtained video of a motorcycle travelling along the Southwest Rapid Transit Corridor at speeds of 189 km/h in a 30 km/h zone passing civilians waiting for the bus. This corridor does not permit civilian traffic.
In this last video, a black Chevrolet or GMC Pick-up truck is observed performing power turns on a parking lot.
As of note: the individuals and persons depicted in the above-mentioned incidents and videos are not facing charges.
On September 7, 2024, at approximately 10:50 p.m., the West District Community Support Unit, with the assistance of the WPS Traffic Division, Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Unit, Flight Operations Unit, North District Community Support Unit, Tactical Support Team and Central and Eastman RCMP Traffic Services, attended to the 300 block of Goldenrod Drive located in the RM of Rosser where 88 vehicles had congregated with many committing highway traffic infractions; all captured on video.
A traffic safety checkpoint was established and as a result;
Sixty-Five (65) Provincial Offence Notices were issued under the Highway Traffic Act and the Vehicle Equipment and Safety Inspections Regulation, Man. Reg. 31/2019.
- HTA 4.2(1)(a)(ii) Fail to display the correct number and type of number plate x 9
- HTA 4.25(1.1) Operate vehicle with a number plate obstructed in a manner capable of preventing accurate image x 1
- HTA 76.1(4)(b) As a driver, fail to produce driver's license and/or insurance certificate and registration card. x 1
- HTA 146 (3) (a) Ride in or on a vehicle on a highway without being seated on a part of the vehicle that is designed and equipped for passenger seating x 1
- HTA 173(1) Drive Without Valid Driver's License x 1
- HTA 179 (1) (b) Make Unnecessary Smoke x 5
- HTA 179 (2) Make Unnecessary Noise, Namely Squealing Tires x 6
- HTA 182(4) Drive a vehicle when view obstructed x 2
- HTA 188(2) Drive carelessly x 6
- HTA 225 (1) Drive while disqualified x 2
- MR 31/2019 6.1 Improper Equipment or Operation of Equipment x 31
Five (5) Drivers were issued Serious Offence Notices, and will undergo Driver Fitness Hearings as mandated by Manitoba Public Insurance.
The Traffic Safety Strategy within the Winnipeg Police Service business plan promotes responsible driving through enforcement and education. We hope that this enforcement initiative will remind those who engage in reckless driving behavior that they will be held accountable.