Illegal street race in front of Port Moody Police Station results in impounded vehicles, tickets

Illegal street racing might sound a bad idea, but illegal street racing directly in front of a police station is somewhat stupefying.

Two young adults had their vehicles impounded in Port Moody on Sunday, March 31, and now face excessive speeding charges after using St. Johns Street as an impromptu racetrack.

“Street racing is not very common,” said Const. Sam Zacharias, media officer with the Port Moody Police Department (PMPD). “My understanding is these two vehicles were stopped at a red light together and they took off the line.”

The incident was observed by an officer in an unmarked cruiser at around 3 a.m. on the 3100 block of St. Johns Street, right in front of the Port Moody Police Station.

Zacharias said the officer clocked the racers travelling at 118 kilometres an hour, over 68 kilometres above the speed limit.

Hitting speeds in excess of 60 kilometres over the limit comes with a fine of $483 and three penalty points added to a driving record, according to the province.

Both motorists were driving SUVs.

“Not what you would expect,” Zacharias said. “Nevertheless, hitting some pretty high speeds, because at one point they hit 122 (kilometres an hour).”

Zacharias said the drivers knew each other, but neither had much of a history of driving infractions. If they were regular offenders, he said criminal charges could have been laid.

The PMPD had a busy Easter Long Weekend.

An April 2 press release stated proactive enforcement led to several impaired driver being taken off the road, with licence suspensions issued up to 90 days.

Several other drivers were also nabbed for excessive speeding.

Two novice drivers, along with one international driver, had their vehicles impounded for excessive speeding on Barnet Highway and David Avenue.

The novice drivers were also breaking rules related to their licence restrictions, the release said.

“We all play a role in road safety,” Zacharias said. “Slow down and give yourself enough time to get to your destination. If your plans involve alcohol or impairing substances, please plan a safe ride home.”