Toronto police not ticketing drivers in cars with 5 people or less
The Toronto Police Service will not ticket individuals who are travelling, or parked in a car, with five people or less – including individuals from different home addresses.
Toronto police say this action is not against the law.
The Emergency Act order by the provincial government to ban gatherings of more than five people apply to “organized public events and social gatherings.”
As well, more than five people cannot congregate in various settings that have been closed such as: facilities providing indoor recreational programs; public libraries; private schools; licensed child care centres; bars and restaurants (except those that provide takeout); theatres; concert venues and city-owned playgrounds, parks, and green spaces.
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According to the Toronto police, bylaw officers will be monitoring and providing information and education to non-compliant individuals and businesses.
And, in some cases, police are contacted to conduct enforcement actions under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.
The police service continue to “conduct proactive enforcement, when necessary, and officers will use their discretion to determine the proper action.”
Any questions about organized public events and social gatherings of more than five people or open businesses that should be closed, can be addressed by calling 311.
On March 29, Premier Doug Ford banned gatherings of more than five people.
According to the province, stronger action was required to stop the spread of COVID-19, and to protect the health and well-being of all Ontarians.
This order does not apply for households of more than five people.
On Tuesday, the province also announced that individuals who are being charged with an offence under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA) will be required to identify themselves if asked by a provincial offences officer, which includes police officers, First Nations constables, special constables, and municipal bylaw enforcement officers.
If someone refuses to provide identification the fine is $750 or $1,000 for obstructing any person in exercising a power if a provincial offences officer issues a ticket.
Note: The headline of this article was amended. It originally stated “Toronto police not ticketing drivers in cars with more than 5 people”
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