The Lethbridge Police Service issued 257 traffic tickets over Street Machine Weekend (July 10–12), and moved on multiple large gatherings where vehicles were performing burnouts and other illegal stunts, the service said in a release on Tuesday.
Large unofficial gatherings drew most enforcement attention
The event is organised by the Street Wheelers Car Club and included a sanctioned, controlled cruise that police say proceeded largely without incident. The majority of enforcement occurred at unofficial gatherings away from the organised activities, including repeated crowds at a retail parking lot south of the city.
- 257 traffic tickets issued over the weekend
- Unofficial crowds of up to 2,000 people reported by police
- About 600 people gathered in the HomeSense parking lot on Friday night, where burnouts and stunts were observed
Police said most tickets were for speeding, stunting and equipment violations. Two drivers were travelling more than 50 km/h over the posted limit. The force described conduct by some participants as showing "
a blatant disregard for the rules of the road by some participants" which prompted extra officers and resources.
Agencies assisted and property owners involved
Alberta Sheriffs and the Blood Tribe Police Service assisted Lethbridge officers during the weekend. Officers also shut down a gathering at the HomeSense parking lot on behalf of the property owner; police say a crowd returned the following night and repeated the same behaviour.
Pedestrian struck, driver ticketed for learner licence breach
Shortly before midnight on Friday, a 28-year-old pedestrian attempting to cross from a median was struck by a southbound vehicle travelling through a green light. The pedestrian was taken to hospital with injuries described as not life-threatening. The driver, an 18-year-old with a Class 7 learner’s licence, was ticketed for driving without a qualified fully licensed passenger, a requirement under Alberta rules for Class 7 holders.
| Item | Reported figure |
|---|---|
| Traffic tickets issued | 257 |
| Largest reported crowd | 2,000 |
| People at HomeSense lot (Friday) | 600 |
Police say the organised Controlled Cruise near the downtown core drew a large turnout but was largely peaceful, while the more problematic incidents came from spontaneous, unofficial gatherings. The Lethbridge Police Service did not release details on arrests or other charges beyond the traffic tickets and the citation of the learner‑licence driver.
City residents can expect continued enforcement when public safety is at risk, police said, and are reminded that property owners may request police intervention where gatherings interfere with private property or public safety.
