Thank you for your recent correspondence expressing your concerns regarding street racing and the seizure of cars used for the unlawful purpose of street racing.
Vehicles that have engaged in street racing or are likely to engage in street racing may become the subject of a civil forfeiture proceeding under the Civic Remedies Act, 2001. Under this legislation, all steps to freeze and forfeit property require the ministry to prove its case in court. The legislation contains provisions to protect the interests of legitimate and reponsible property owners. Even if the ministry proves a case, it is always up to a court whether the application is granted or refused.
However, street racing is a dangerous, unlawful activity that puts innocent people at risk. In Ontario, we are committed to keeping communities and families safe. On May 29, 2007, the McGuinty government passed the Safer Roads for a Safer Ontario Act, 2007. This legislation will set a new standard for road safety, with tougher sanctions to target drinking and driving, as well as aggressive and dangerous driving behaviours, including street racing. As well, the McGuinty government is pleased that the federal government has passed legislation making street racing a crime under the Criminal Code.
Again, thank you for writing and sharing your views on this important public safety issue.
Yours truly,
M. Bryant