ATV use on Souris streets concern RCMP

Kings District RCMP say there is an increase in the number of all-terrain vehicles being driven on the streets in and around Souris.

The latest incident occurred Tuesday night when an officer saw an ATV being operated on Chapel Avenue in Souris. 

Staff Sgt. Kevin Baillie said the officer activated the emergency equipment on his police vehicle but the ATV driver didn't stop.

No police pursuit took place because of safety concerns. The the driver was located in a gravel pit a short distance away.

'We don't chase them'

The ATV was towed from the scene and the 16 year-old male driver was charged with operating an off-road vehicle on a highway and with failing to stop a vehicle on the signal of a police officer. 

RCMP say the fines and surcharges for these offenses total $600.

"There's a number of concerns. One thing is that a lot of the operators of these vehicles aren't licensed, some younger people who may be aren't that experienced with driving these vehicles," said Baillie. 

"Often these vehicles are seen at night on the roadways. They don't have the proper lighting or other equipment. There is a concern of a collision of a vehicle, a collision with another object."

Baillie says the individuals driving these vehicles usually don't stop when they are approached by the police. 

"We don't chase them. We don't want to see someone seriously hurt or killed."

Baillie said ATVs are not meant to be driven on roadways, and those doing so risk being involved in a serious or fatal collision. 

"Anyone caught operating an off highway vehicle on a roadway can expect to face large fines and to have their vehicle towed."