Street racing leads to multiple vehicle impoundments in Surrey

vehicle impoundments
Photo: RCMP

SIX vehicles were impounded recently by Surrey RCMP Traffic Unit during enforcement in Campbell Heights, an area known for street racing and stunting.

On May 12, during a large gathering in the 2700-block of 192 Street, a 1937 Chevrolet was stunting when the driver lost control and collided with a semi-truck. The collision was captured on video and widely shared on social media. Fortunately, the driver was not seriously injured. The Surrey RCMP Traffic Unit investigated the collision and have submitted a report to BC Prosecution Service recommending criminal charges against the driver.

On June 16, Surrey RCMP Traffic Unit conducted proactive enforcement in the same area along 192 Street.

In total, 21 violation tickets were served for speed, excessive speed, vehicle defects and other traffic infractions. Five of the tickets were for excessive speed which is accompanied by an automatic seven-day vehicle impoundment. One driver was found to be under the influence and received a three-day Immediate Roadside Prohibition with vehicle impoundment.

 

The Motor Vehicle Act defines excessive speeding as driving at a speed greater than 40 km an hour over the speed limit.

“We want to make it clear that Surrey RCMP has zero tolerance for street racing and/or dangerous driving behaviours that places members of our community at risk,” said Surrey RCMP Traffic Unit Sgt. Jason Barrett on Tuesday.

“Individuals who participate in these activities pose risks to everyone on the road, as well as all the spectators who attend. We will continue to target the drivers and encourage you to do your part by not attending these events, and reporting dangerous driving behaviour to police.”

To date in 2023, 14 lives have been taken tragically in motor vehicle collisions in Surrey. Dangerous driving behaviours and in particular, speed, have been contributing factors in the majority of these fatal collisions.