Ottawa police laid dozens of charges at a pair of illegal car gatherings last week. Police say they attended the 1500 block of Merivale Road near Clyde Avenue at approximately 8:30 p.m. Friday, where about 40 motorcycles and 15 to 20 other vehicles had gathered. According to a news release Monday, police directed the crowd to leave and they did so with “minimal issue.” Police also attended an illegal gathering that same evening with approximately 40 vehicles at Train Yards. Between the two gatherings, police say officers issued 26 fines, including nine for speeding, three for failing to display a front licence plate and two for failing to stop at a red light. Five drivers will face a mandatory day in court, including a 30-year-old driver who was stopped for allegedly driving without a valid licence, without insurance and for failing to display front licence plates in the Thorndale Drive and Walkey Road area. An 18-year-old driver was stopped after going 126 km/h in a 70 km/h zone near Strandherd Drive and Beatrice Drive. The driver was charged with stunt driving and speeding. Their licence was suspended for 30 days and their vehicle was impounded for 14 days. Ottawa police have been increasing their enforcement of illegal car gatherings that can often attract hundreds of people. A recent joint enforcement initiative with Ottawa police and Ontario Provincial Police led to 39 charges against car gatherings on May 29. In April, police issued 75 tickets at a car meet in Train Yards.
