Partners in the local STOP program, including Greater Sudbury Police, Ontario Provincial Police and the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs, were out in full force on the snowmobile trails this weekend resulting in 20 charges.
On Friday March 3, police officers conducted patrols and stop checks in Valley East. The only charges came from a motor vehicle that was stuck on one of the snowmobile trails.
The driver was charged with trespassing on the trail and a passenger was charged with having open liquor. A groomer had to be called out to repair damage done to the trail. A total of 30 snowmobiles were checked.
On Saturday, areas of Chelmsford, Azilda and Lively were monitored by police. Another motor vehicle was stuck on one of the trails and had to be towed from the area. The driver was charged with trespassing.
As a result of patrols and spot checks, police charged four people with speeding, three for riding without a trail permit, and five others were charged under the Motorized Snow Vehicle (MSV) Act.
A 15-year old was charged for riding with no licence, no trail permit, no insurance and not having registration numbers on his snowmobile. Through questioning, police discovered the boy's father had given him permission to ride.
On Sunday, officers patrolled the south and west ends of the city, checking 130 snowmobiles. Only two people were charged for riding without trail permits.
Patrols also covered trails in Narin Centre, Lake Penage and Lively resulting in two MSV charges. Three 15-year olds were also cautioned as they attempted to cross a highway without a licence. People under 16 can't cross a highway.
