Toronto police launch Project ERASE to combat street racing. Here’s what drivers can expect

Toronto police launched a joint approach to combating street racing with other police forces across the GTA.

Investigators announced the details of Project ERASE (Eliminate Racing Activity on Streets Everywhere) at 11 a.m. on Thursday at Exhibition Place. This program addresses illegal street racing, stunt driving, and other dangerous driving practices on area roads.

Members from police services in Toronto, York, Peel, Halton, Hamilton and Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were in attendance.

“Street racing has no boundaries, and police services across the GTA are committed to working collaboratively to reduce serious injury and death on area roads,” a Toronto police spokesperson wrote in a news release.

Toronto police officers laid 1,410 stunt driving charges in 2023, and since Jan. 1, 2024, officers have already laid 579 stunt driving charges and 215 related criminal charges. 

Drivers involved in stunt driving and street racing could be subjected to various offences, including a 30-day licence suspension at the roadside, a 14-day vehicle impoundment (whether it’s your vehicle or not), a minimum fine of $2,000 and a maximum fine of $10,000, a jail term of up to six months and six demerit points.

Toronto Police Acting Deputy Chief Kelly Skinner said people must understand the risks and potential consequences of illegal street racing.

“We encourage the public to report dangerous driving and illegal racing activities to police or Crime Stoppers as a proactive step towards ensuring community and road safety.”

Throughout the summer, motorists can expect increased enforcement related to street racing or stunt driving activity. 

The news conference was live-streamed on YouTube.