Kansas City police trying to crack down on illegal vehicles on streets

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - The Kansas City Police Department is trying to crackdown on illegal vehicles driving on city streets. These vehicles include dirt bikes and ATV’s with drivers ignoring traffic rules, stoplights, and other rules of the road.

This summer, KD has deployed extra units to entertainment areas like the Plaza, Downtown, and Westport to enforce the law and remove these vehicles from the road. People downtown told KCTV5 the extra enforcement isn’t taking the illegal vehicles off the street.

“Every night, there are either guys on ATV’s or dirt backs that come down in groups of probably 20-25 and just roll down Main Street,” said James Palmer.

The illegal vehicles often drive on curbs, pop wheelies, and other dangerous things on the road. The people who spoke to KCTV5 said the drivers usually seek out crowds in an attempt to show off their tricks.

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“Probably the attention, that’s what they look for everywhere they go,” said Valentin Collazo. “If they don’t get attention, they leave.”

Sunday afternoon, KD has police officers posted at intersections where illegal sideshows had occurred in the past. Two businesses – that did not want to go on camera – told KCTV5 the police presence has helped, but the illegal vehicles are still on the road each day. Opinions on the ground agreed.

“I’d actually say there’s been an increase in it,” said Palmer when asked about the frequency of the illegal vehicles. “It’s almost like their own little protest against the police.”

One person told KCTV5 the nightly activity may be appealing to some, but it should not be allowed on city streets where people can get hurt and their day-to-day lives affected.

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“It’s illegal, obviously, but it’s entertaining,” said Collazo. “It’s what they want to do, I guess, but it’s not the right thing.”

“I can see how it could be concerning for moms and dads who want to have their children in bed by 9 and they wake up easily,” said Palmer.

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