Two alleged stunt drivers nabbed as Hamilton police launch holiday traffic project

Just hours after Hamilton police launched a safe driving campaign for the holiday season, they nabbed two alleged stunt drivers.

The first driver was clocked going 116 kilometres an hour in a 40 km/h zone on Upper Ottawa Street near Queensdale Avenue East, police said. A 53-year-old Hamilton man was charged.

The second driver was stopped going 100 km/h in a 50 km/h zone at King and Macklin streets. A 33-year-old Milton man was charged.

On Friday morning, police launched Project Sleigh-Down, a traffic safety project targeting speeding, stunt driving, and other violations, including stop signs, red lights and cellphones. The project is happening across the city for the month of December.

The campaign comes the same week as the tragic death of 11-year-old Jude Strickland, hit by a pickup while walking home from Templemead Elementary School Tuesday. Police have said the driver didn't stop for a red light or a crossing guard, before striking the boy at Upper Gage Avenue and Royal Vista Drive.

Brandon Aubert, 28, is charged with dangerous operation causing death.

We want people to get to where they want to go during the holidays in a safe and efficient manner," traffic safety officer Const. Mike LaCombe said in a video launching the safety initiative. And we hope that everyone will pay attention to their driving, slow down, put the phone down and get there safely."

In Ontario, under the Highway Traffic Act, stunt driving includes going 50 km/h above the speed limit. Drivers face an automatic seven day drivers licence suspension and their vehicle is impounded. If convicted, they could face fines between $2,000 and $10,000 and up to six months in jail.

The two drivers charged by Hamilton police have court dates in February.

Nicole O'Reilly is a Hamilton-based reporter covering crime and justice for The Spectator. Reach her via email: noreilly@thespec.com