The annual Street Machine Weekend is coming up, and the Lethbridge Police Service wants to make sure everyone enjoys the festivities safely.
Sergeant Tony Ramotowski with the Traffic Response Unit says the popular event is expected to bring thousands of people and hundreds of cars to the city. “It is our focus to ensure public safety and that motorists obey the rules of the roads,” he notes.
Ramotowski adds traffic delays are expected with increased traffic Friday through Sunday.
“We want people to enjoy the event, however, in response to that, we’ll have multiple additional members on duty, including [Alberta] Sheriffs, for the entire weekend, focusing on unruly behaviours,” he remarks.
Ramotowski says some of those ‘unruly behaviours’ officers will be on the lookout for include stunt driving, speeding, excessive noise, impaired and distracted driving, as well as any violations of vehicle equipment regulations.
“Just because it’s a car show, [some] people think that it’s a free pass to break the law basically and stunt, speed, disobey traffic laws, all types of incidences,” he adds.
During the 2024 event, Ramotowski says police issued 124 tickets, apprehended nine impaired drivers, laid seven criminal code charges and executed 10 outstanding warrants. Additionally, 12 vehicles were towed, and 50 warnings were issued.
PEDESTRIANS
Ramotowski says like any time you are on the road, both motorists and pedestrians need to be fully aware of their surroundings.
“Pay attention, obey posted speed limits and traffic laws, and be aware of [your] surroundings. We want everybody to be safe on the weekend,” he remarks.
“Pedestrians need to be careful. There’s going to be hundreds of cars in the city. Stay off the roadways, stay far back off the sidewalks and just [be] aware of your surroundings.”
Ramotowski adds police presence will be particularly focused along Mayor Magrath Drive and 3 Avenue South.
More details about the annual Street Machine Weekend are available at the Street Wheelers Car Club website. The weekend festivities run from July 11 to 13.
