A photo taken Thursday of some freshly laid tracks near the Art Hauser Centre. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Dangerous driving

City police reviewing possibility of increase in fines for stunting

Sep 24, 2021 | 5:00 PM

Concerns related to dangerous driving were among the major talking points during Thursday’s Board of Police Commissioners meeting.

Specifically, the focus was on the ongoing stunting occurring in the parking lot adjacent to the Art Hauser Centre. Ward 6 Councillor Blake Edwards explained local residents are feeling very frustrated, adding the activity is happening from 3:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.

“It’s got to stop and it’s got to stop quickly because the people are going to walk over there and deal with it. And that’s not something we want to see,” he said.

Acknowledging the work pressures officers in the city are already under, Edwards inquired if stricter enforcement was an option.

Blake Edwards said his phone has been ringing off the hook due to people concerned about the stunting. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

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Police Chief Jon Bergen confirmed police have been watching the lot closely and have handed out a number of tickets.

“The charge is not a significant deterrent right now and so we’ve called for reviews,” he said.

The proposed idea is to hike the current fine from $175 to $580.

Mike Scissons, business manager of the Prince Albert Raiders, has witnessed the stunting activity on a number of occasions and has both talked to drivers and called police. He thinks the increase in fines is a good idea but needs to be higher.

“If somebody wants to go ahead and burn $1,000 worth of tires by burning their tires off then give them another $1,000 and impound their car,” he said.

Scissons said people are using the lot as a wide open speedway and his immediate concern is for the users of the nearby skate park as well as the families who come to the Art Hauser Centre for various activities.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell