Police are stepping up their patrols in areas receiving complaints about off-road vehicles.
In South Porcupine, the green space between Northern College and the Kulta Koti seniors' home has been an area of concern.
Timmins Police were in the area today and say they'll continue the enhanced enforcement efforts throughout the city.
“We’ve been receiving numerous complaints with regards to people trespassing on private property in the area, as well there’s safety concerns with young children who are playing in the area and the nearby parks. We’re just trying to get people to adhere to regulations with regards to off-road vehicles,” said Const. Darren McGaghran.
“We’re also looking out for the best interests of the ATVers and other off-road vehicles with regards to wearing proper equipment,” he said.
So far this year there has been one serious ATV crash.
Earlier this week, a 24-year-old Timmins man was flown to hospital in Sudbury with a serious head injury after a collison on an unorganized trail off of Norman Street. According to police, the driver was not wearing a helmet at the time.
McGaghran said as of yesterday the man was in stable condition. The collision is still under investigation.
Timmins Police corporate communications co-ordinator Marc Depatie said statutes like the trespass to property act, off-road vehicles act and highway traffic act were designed with public safety in mind.
"There seems to be, for whatever reason, a small, but persistent segment of the population who insists on not respecting those statutes. There’s an inherent disrespect for private property attached here at the expense of senior citizens who are trying to enjoy their property,” said Depatie.
Another problem area for ATVs is Dwyer Street in Schumacher, according to Depatie.
He said generally there are complaints in places that are adjacent to a wooded area.
Over the winter, there was a pilot project that saw snowmobilers able to drive on certain city streets to access the trail system.
That is not the case for ATVs.
Depatie said there is currently no exception allowing people to drive an ATV on the road. The proper practise is to bring the ATV on a trailer to a point of access that allows the off-road vehicle to be operated.
