PROVIDENCE, RI — Increased enforcement efforts targeting illegal all-terrain vehicle and dirt bike operation in and around Roger Williams Park have resulted in hundreds of tickets issued and 11 arrests, the mayor and police chief revealed.
"The initiative, led by the Providence Police Department's Neighborhood Response Team (NRT), was launched in mid-May in response to community concerns about illegal ATV activity, reckless driving, loud parties, and large gatherings in and around the park," the city said in a media release.
"Since the initiative began, the Neighborhood Response Team has issued 160 Universal Summonses, 64 Loud Music Citations, and 127 parking violations, towed 14 vehicles, and made 11 arrests," the release said.
"Over the past several months, neighbors have shared legitimate concerns about reckless behavior that was affecting both their safety and their quality-of-life, preventing people from fully enjoying one of Providence's greatest parks,” Mayor Brett Smiley said in the release.
“These enforcement efforts are part of a coordinated strategy to restore safety, improve quality-of-life, and ensure the park remains welcoming for everyone," Smiley said. "When I took office four years ago, I made a promise to our neighbors that we would address surge of illegal ATVs in our neighborhoods. While there is still more work to be done, I’m incredibly proud at the progress we have made and look forward to our continued work with the community to address the safety and quality-of-life concerns of our neighbors.”
Police have seized 14 illegal vehicles "since May 15 as enforcement efforts around Roger Williams Park intensified," the release said.
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