Residents and municipal officials in Leamington say increased police enforcement around the town’s waterfront is a welcome step as concerns grow over speeding, stunt driving, and excessive noise near the marina and ferry docks. The OPP announced this week that officers with the Leamington detachment will be conducting extra patrols near the marina, ferry docks, and Waterfront Market Plaza, along with several nearby community safety zones. Police say the increased enforcement comes in response to complaints from the community involving speeding vehicles, stunt driving, and loud exhaust noise. Chris Edgar, who moved to Leamington last September and lives near the waterfront, described the area at night as “the dragstrip.” “I would say I’ve heard it more than seen it,” Edgar said. “There was one evening I was tempted to call the police because I was just waiting for the crunch.” Edgar said she frequently hears squealing tires and revving engines in the area and expects activity to increase as warmer weather draws more people to the waterfront. “It’s summer now, so there’s going to be more people heading out to the point,” she said. Ken Enns, a lifelong Leamington resident who has lived near the waterfront for the past decade, said excessive vehicle noise has become frustrating for nearby residents. “I can’t understand why these young fellows with cars with small engines have to put on big mufflers,” Enns told CTV News. “It’s very disturbing.” Enns said he supports the increased enforcement effort and would like to see police go even further. “I commend the police department for beefing up their surveillance,” he said, adding he would also support the use of photo radar in the area. Mayor Hilda MacDonald said the municipality has also received complaints from residents and has been working with police and bylaw officers to address the issue while maintaining the waterfront as a safe destination. “It’s a waterfront destination and we want to make it safe,” MacDonald said. “We want to make it enjoyable for the people, for our residents that live here and the people that come to visit.” MacDonald said the municipality has already implemented several traffic calming measures, including narrowed roadways, crosswalks, and increased parking. “Sometimes you just need deterrents,” she said. “Whether it’s a police car sitting there watching — do they have better things to do? Probably. But this impacts the safety and the quality of life for the people that live and visit our waterfront.” MacDonald urged drivers to be safe. “This is about being a good neighbor when you’re behind the wheel. That’s what this is,” she said. “Caring about somebody else rather than about speeding through... and there are alternate ways to avoid the waterfront. Use them. If you are in a hurry, then don’t use the waterfront as your mode of getting somewhere.” The OPP says drivers can expect increased police presence and enforcement throughout the area heading into the busy summer season.
