Calgary police crack down on street racing in industrial parks

Calgary police are trying to put a stop to late-night street racing that's been happening lately in the city's southeast industrial zones.

"We have been receiving reports of vehicles driving at extremely high speeds in areas where the typical speed limit is 50 km/h. Street racing is dangerous and — in some cases — deadly," said Sgt. Brad Norman in a release.

Police say the illegal racing activity is generally taking place on the weekend in southeast industrial parks, and those doing it are generally younger and inexperienced.

"Although Calgary's industrial areas may seem deserted, semi-trailers and other vehicles continue traveling in and out of the areas on a regular basis."

Now several weeks into an operation aimed at curbing the problem, police say they've written 281 tickets, laid two Criminal Code charges and executed one warrant.

Five vehicles have been towed and 71 warnings issued.

"We encourage anyone aware of street racing to report these activities to police," said Norman.

 "We also ask friends and family of drivers that might be participating in this activity to encourage them to stop."

In April, police said a fatal hit-and-run incident in northeast Calgary was likely caused by illegal street racing.

Two years ago, a Mercedes was seen racing a motorcycle at high speeds on Highway 2A north of Okotoks when the car struck a Toyota FJ Cruiser, killing its driver.