A vehicle was removed from the road after Cobourg Police deemed it unsafe as a result of a number of infractions.
Cobourg Police have received numerous traffic complaints regarding motor vehicles revving engines causing noise and speeding in Cobourg.
For the month of July, the Services STEP (Select Traffic Enforcement Program) is focusing on increased community education and enforcement, targeting illegal modifications to vehicles, unnecessary noise violations, and speeding in July.
On Friday, July 16, 2021, Traffic Sgt. Mike Richardson was on patrol in the area of Division Street when he heard a motor vehicle.
“I heard it, before I saw it. So that draws my attention.”
Richardson said he followed the vehicle as it turned onto University Avenue West and pulled the vehicle over just west of George Street to conduct a roadside safety inspection.
After a quick inspection of the muffler Richardson found obvious signs the muffler was improper.
“It freely allows the noise to come from the engine all the way down the pipe, and then it goes right out. So there is no “muffler” per se stopping the noise.”
Further investigation revealed the suspension was low. When Richardson asked the driver to turn the wheels, “I observed wear marks on the tire where it’s been touching the fender,” on both side of the vehicle.
The driver’s employer who is a certified mechanic showed up and Richardson took the time to show him where the tire is touching the fender that makes it unsafe.
“There is chunks right out of the tire. Wear marks, rub marks – totally unsafe.”
The windshield wipers and horn also did not work.
The 19-year-old driver was only charged with two offences under the Highway Traffic, improper muffler and improper tires under the Highway Traffic Act.
If found guilty the fine is $110.00 with no demerit points for each offence.
The driver was given a warning for the horn and a caution for the windshield wipers.
Richardson explains when there is any damage to a tire, it could come apart and cause a collision.
“Ultimately we’re out here as police trying to keep people safe that use the roads.”
“I want people driving around this area with safe vehicles – my family is out here as well.”
During the month of July, in addition to increased speeding enforcement in the Town of Cobourg, officers will conduct enforcement on modifications to equipment that reduce the safety of the vehicle, such as and not limited to: motor vehicle suspension, tires (wheels), braking systems, headlights (running lights), brake lights, side mirrors, windshields (windshield wipers), horns, steering wheels and seatbelts.
Vehicles not in compliance may result in an Out of Service and/or impounded plus charges. Drivers operating a modified motor vehicle and investigated for such may be charged under various statutes such as the Town of Cobourg Noise By-Law, the Highway Traffic Act, the Environmental Protection Act, and the Criminal Code of Canada. Provincial fines start at $65.00 and go up to $2000.00. Some charges include demerit points.
CPS will partner with external enforcement agencies such as the Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Environment, Ontario Provincial Police and Port Hope Police Service as Joint Forces Enforcement Teams to conduct traffic stops and traffic safety initiatives (inspection sites/lanes) throughout the month.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
