For immediate release July 2, 2021
Toronto, ON – City Councillor Paula Fletcher thanks Mayor John Tory for joining her call to have the Toronto Police Service and the City's Municipal Licensing and Standards (MLS) division take greater action against stunt drivers and work to end these dangerous practices now.
Councillor Fletcher's successful Member's Motion, Too Fast Too Furious 2, at the June meeting of City Council detailed a number of steps that can be taken to address this serious problem.
Mayor Tory announced on June 30, through a news release, that he supports any effort by Toronto Police and MLS to further crackdown on street racing, stunt driving, and disruptive vehicle noise in the city. Councillor Fletcher appreciates his support and hopes it will help her follow up on the implementation of the recommendations adopted in June by Council about dangerous driving.
"The death and injuries on the DVP in May of this year show that the stunt driving on the DVP has become more than just a noise problem, but is threatening the lives of motorists on one of the busiest arteries in the city,” said Councillor Fletcher. She added, "I think the Mayor would agree that the DVP should be part of any enhanced enforcement activities."
Toronto-Danforth MPP Peter Tabuns has also stated that, "Recently passed provincial legislation substantially increases the penalties for dangerous driving and stunt driving. It should be used in this case, and in similar situations to protect the public."
Bill 282, Moving Ontarians More Safely Act, 2021, passed third reading in the Legislature on May 31. This legislation introduces new measures to combat high-risk driving and improve road safety, including longer driver's licence suspensions and vehicle impoundment periods for drivers who engage in aggressive driving, stunt driving, and street racing. Councillor Fletcher's motion calls for, amongst other things, the Toronto Police and City staff to immediately look at how this new legislation can be used to improve road safety in Toronto.
These temporary changes are required for Ontario Line construction at Pape Station and will remain in place until the fall.
New measures come after Councillor Fletcher’s call for proactive enforcement in wake of recent maulings.
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