King cracking down on off-road vehicles

July 20, 2016 · 0 Comments

Bylaw officers and police are focusing on the illegal and unsafe use of off-road vehicles in King Township.
King has received numerous complaints regarding the unsafe and illegal operation of dirt bikes and ATVs on local roads, sidewalks and trails.
Residents should be advised that riding any off-road vehicles is strictly prohibited on any roads in not only King Township but all of York Region.
“Off-road vehicles are only permitted on private property. Riders are required to transport their off-road vehicles to properties where permission is granted by the land owner,” said Sergeant Karen Hodge, with York Regional Police’s Traffic Bureau/Traffic Safety Programs Unit.
Pocket bikes, dirt bikes, mini bikes, ATVs, motorized scooters (Go-peds), power-assisted bicycles and segway scooters are not permitted on public roadways or sidewalks.
Also, off-road vehicles must be registered, plated and insured according to legislative guidelines. Riders must wear helmets and children must be supervised by an adult.
“Residents have complained ATV and dirt bike drivers are using roadways and sidewalks to access open areas popular with riders,” said King’s manager of bylaw enforcement, Nancy Cronsberry. “Complaints have included pedestrians being forced off sidewalks to avoid being struck by careless riders, running stop signs at high speeds and making U-turns in front of oncoming traffic. Parents are concerned about the safety of their children.”
Area residents have also complained about noise, riders trespassing on their properties, and “no trespassing signs‟ being removed.
King bylaw officers have increased their patrols in the areas of complaints, including in Nobleton near the arena at Hwy. 27 and King Road and at Tasca Park on Parkheights Trail. Anyone found operating one of these vehicles and not complying with the law will face charges. The vehicle may be impounded and fines may be as high as $5,000. Parents of children riding vehicles unsupervised can also be charged.
Residents are encouraged to use the Road Watch Program to report those riding these vehicles illegally. (www.yrp.ca/en/community/road-watch.asp). It is hoped the co-operative effort between the Township, its citizens and York Regional Police results in a reduction of complaints and increased safety for all riders.