Street Machine Weekend returns to Lethbridge as police ask drivers to follow the law

There will be multiple street closures in Lethbridge due to Street Machine Weekend.

It’s Street Machine Weekend in Lethbridge, and police are reminding participants that they don’t get a free pass from traffic laws because of it.

Street Machine Weekend runs from Friday through Sunday, with a controlled cruise along Third Avenue South Friday night, followed by other events over the weekend at the Lethbridge Trade and Convention Centre Grounds and in Galt Gardens.

A substantial increase in traffic volume is anticipated across the city as a result, with additional LPS resources, along with partner agencies, being assigned to remind motorists to follow the law.

Historically, most participants have been respectful of other motorists and pedestrians, but there have also been incidents where drivers have chosen to engage in illegal, high-risk behavior, police said in a release.

Some of those incidents have taken place on Mayor Magrath Drive, Third Avenue South and other traffic corridors where drivers have been caught speeding, stunting, racing, doing burnouts and committing other offences.

Open liquor violations by spectators and drivers have resulted in violation tickets, vehicles being towed, roadside sanctions and criminal charges.

Last year, police issued 286 violation tickets and 34 warnings involving speeding, stunting and equipment violations. There were also charges for impaired driving and assault. Nine vehicles were towed, one outstanding warrant was executed, a license was suspended and two Immediate roadside Sanction Cautions and an IRS refusal were issued.