RCMP impound nearly a dozen vehicles at popular drag racing site in Nanaimo

Nanaimo RCMP
Around 100 people were watching vehicles engage in drag and street racing activities at the Jack Point parking lot on Jackson Road on Sept. 13, when Nanaimo RCMP officers arrived and impounded nearly a dozen vehicles.

A popular spot for drag and street racing in Nanaimo has been shut down, say police.

Around 100 people were watching vehicles engage in drag and street racing activities at the Jack Point parking lot on Jackson Road on Sept. 13, when Nanaimo RCMP officers arrived and impounded nearly a dozen vehicles.

The Jack Point parking, near the Duke Point ferry terminal, has long been a popular area for street racing and drag racing activities in the Nanaimo area.

According to a Nanaimo RCMP press release, the road was closed for four hours while officers seized vehicles, issued tickets and dispersed the crowd of roughly 100 people.

A total of 10 vehicles were impounded, 30 tickets for violating the province’s Motor Vehicle Act were issued, 23 Notice and Orders were handed out for various defects, and 11 vehicle inspection orders were given to drivers who were operating vehicles considered by RCMP to be unsafe.

Const. Gary O’Brien, media spokesperson with the Nanaimo RCMP, said in a press release that the area has long been a problem, despite efforts made by the municipality.

“City of Nanaimo officials have spent countless hours and dollars installing traffic calming measures with the purpose of dissuading these activities,” said O’Brien. “Over the past 5 years, dozens of complaints have also been received concerning the noise levels, including complaints from workers in the industrial area and residents of nearby Gabriola Island. Various enforcement actions over the years have failed to stop the activities. Unfortunately, these efforts did not work.”

Included in the press release was a video showing Jeep creating smoke on Jackson Road.

“The video attached clearly shows a driver stunting by causing excessive smoke to build up by spinning his tires on the roadway. This activity destroys the roadway and poses a risk to not only the driver but the general public. For these reasons, this activity is prohibited under the [Motor Vehicle Act],” said O’Brien. “The driver of the vehicle profiled and 9 others, had their vehicles seized and impounded for a period of 7 days.

Although roughly 100 people were in attendance and no criminal charges were laid by officers, according to O’Brien.

The investigation is continuing. Officers fully expect participants to set up at an alternate location. If anyone has information where this illegal activity is expected, please call the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345.

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