Lethbridge police issue nearly 260 tickets during Street Machine Weekend

The Lethbridge Police Service says enforcement of a popular weekend driving festival in the city has increased. Officials say 257 tickets for speeding and equipment violations were handed out during this year's Street Machines Festival. (Pexels/Abdella Benzlane)

The Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) says hundreds of tickets were issued in connection with Street Machines Weekend.

The annual three-day event in Lethbridge has been steadily increasing in attendance, police say, and vehicles involved have been known to perform “dangerous and illegal stunts.”

LPS says this “blatant disregard” for traffic rules by some participants has prompted further action to help maintain public safety.

Officials say 257 tickets were handed out to participants.

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While participants of the event conducted themselves responsibly, LPS says several gatherings split from the main group on July 10 and 11, resulting in significant concerns.

“On Friday night, approximately 600 people gathered in the Home Sense parking lot along the 3700 block of Mayor Magrath Drive South, where vehicles were performing burnouts and other illegal stunts. Acting on behalf of the property owner, police shut down the event,” LPS said.

“An unofficial gathering Saturday night in a private parking lot along the 3900 block of First Avenue South attracted an estimated 2,000 people and 800 vehicles. Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services responded following reports of significant smoke in the area.

“Heavy vehicle and pedestrian congestion impeded emergency access, with fire apparatus becoming stuck in traffic gridlock while attempting to reach the scene.”

LPS says other incidents included a pedestrian being injured after they were struck by a vehicle while jaywalking on Mayor Magrath Drive South and a call to Wade Galloway Skate Park over issues related to open liquor consumption by adults and youths.

Most of the tickets issued over the weekend were for speeding, stunting and equipment violations.

Seven vehicles were seized by police.