As warmer weather arrives, Calgary police are intensifying their crackdown on offenses related to car shows and meet-ups. The Calgary Police Service (CPS) is implementing a zero-tolerance policy to address dangerous driving and unlicensed gatherings that have become more prevalent during the spring season.
Increased Enforcement and Ticketing
Insp. Rob Patterson of the CPS traffic section reported that over the past two weekends, more than 157 tickets have been issued in connection with car shows. These tickets primarily target speeding, stunting, and other illegal activities that often accompany these events. Patterson emphasized that while organized car shows are not the problem, unplanned or unlicensed gatherings are causing significant issues.
“Lots of the guys out there and gals out there that have fancy motorcycles and cars aren’t bringing them out in the middle of winter, but now have the opportunity to bring out their classic car, or their souped up, tuned up vehicles out onto the streets and show them off,” Patterson said. However, he noted that these events often attract individuals who are not interested in simply displaying their vehicles but instead engage in illegal behavior such as speeding, stunting, and racing.
Zero-Tolerance Approach
Police are adopting a zero-tolerance stance this spring to curb risky behaviors. Patterson clarified that showing off vehicles through revving engines or opening doors is acceptable, but activities like speeding to or from events, spinning wheels, or performing smoke shows will not be tolerated. Such actions pose serious risks to other drivers and pedestrians.
“We’re not looking to shut down people having a good time, showing off their vehicles and talking about them,” Patterson said. “But what we will be doing is going after, with zero tolerance, people that are committing offences in relation to those that put other drivers or attendees at risk.”
Unlicensed Gatherings on the Rise
Another major concern for police is the increase in unplanned or unlicensed gatherings, which are often organized through social media. These events can quickly escalate, drawing large crowds to private properties without permission. Patterson highlighted that while a small gathering of a dozen cars at a restaurant like A&W is welcome, having 300 cars show up unannounced at a mall or industrial area is not acceptable.
“Having a dozen cars show up at an A&W is a great thing to have happen, but having 300 cars show up unannounced onto private property at a mall or somewhere in our southeast industrial area is not OK,” he said. Such gatherings frequently violate trespassing laws and local licensing bylaws.
Patterson advised car enthusiasts to ensure they are using parking lots legally and with permission from property owners. “It’s great to park them in a parking lot, (but) make sure that you’re using a parking lot where it’s legal to do that,” he said. “If you’re not doing these with the permission of the property owners, you can’t be there.”
Police urge the public to enjoy their vehicles responsibly and avoid high-risk activities that endanger others. The zero-tolerance enforcement aims to strike a balance between allowing enthusiasts to showcase their vehicles and maintaining public safety.
