Wellington County OPP officers were busy policing the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs trail network as the sledding season got underway.
Members of the OPP Traffic Management Unit conducted a series of snowmobile checks on January 2 in Minto Township and Centre Wellington, focusing on trail permit compliance, licensing, and safe operation. As a result, several riders are facing charges under provincial legislation.
During afternoon patrols on an OFSC trail in Minto Township, officers charged a 27-year-old from Moorefield with multiple offences under the Motorized Snow Vehicles Act. Police allege the rider was operating a snowmobile without insurance or a valid trail permit, failed to produce a licence, did not notify a change of ownership, and did not properly display proof of a permit.
Earlier the same day, officers laid a similar set of charges against a 21-year-old from Listowel following another compliance check on the trails. Police say that rider was operating a snowmobile while under a licence suspension, did not have insurance or a valid trail permit, failed to notify a change of ownership, and did not display evidence of a permit.
Later that afternoon, OPP patrols resulted in additional charges when officers encountered several riders in possession of alcohol. A 52-year-old from Arkona, a 52-year-old from Watford, a 46-year-old from Strathroy, and a 45-year-old from Strathroy were each charged with having liquor in an open container in an unauthorized place. The offence carries a fine of $125.
The Wellington County OPP is reminding snowmobilers that provincial rules require riders to carry a valid driver’s licence or snowmobile operator’s licence, along with proof of ownership and insurance. Police also stress that a valid OFSC trail permit must be properly affixed to the snowmobile when riding on designated trails, and that all riders must stop when signalled by police.
