Any doubt about where the government of Ontario is headed re street-racing legislation was removed yesterday when the announcement was released with details of their proposed legislation. If the bill is passed, Ontario will have the toughest street-racing legislation in Canada. Key features of the bill will include fines ranging from a minimum of $2,000 to $10,000, giving police the power to immediately suspend a driver’s licence for seven days and the power to impound a car on the spot. In addition it toughens the actions to be taken re drinking and driving – what previously would have resulted in a warning (blood-alcohol level from 0.5 to .08 ) would result in a three day licence suspension under the proposed legislation. Furthermore it would introduce an ignition interlock provision.

This should really come as no surprise to any of us.  The Committee that acted on our behalf re the federal Bill C-19,  predicted this exactly.  Fortunately for us, Alasdair Robertson has agreed to continue working on our behalf and has already been in communication with key people involved in drafting this provincial legislation. He will continue to act as a champion of sanctioned rally activities.

I am not aware of any RSO members who do not support any efforts to prevent further carnage on our roads as a result of irresponsible drivers.

Guess it becomes more important than ever for all of us to be squeaky clean in our conduct on the road as there will be very close scrutiny of any aggressive and/or irresponsible driving activities. You can bet that we will see a zero tolerance policy with regard to police actions.  If you have any rally decals on your car, remember that you are seen as representing all of us.