A local business has been forced to put on the brakes, again.
Stevie Go-Go was stopped by Sarnia police on Christina Street Sunday, August 18 and his tuk-tuks were impounded.
Sarnia police said the vehicle was stopped for Highway Traffic Act Offences including operating without a helmet, and said at the time there was open alcohol, a violation of the Liquor Licence and Control Act.
Police said during the stop officers spotted a number of concerns, including unattached plates.
Following further investigation, and in consultation with POA Prosecutors and other police resources, the Owner/Operator of Stevie Go-Go, Stephen Devlin, has now been charged with the following offences:
1. Owner operate motor vehicle on a highway – no insurance Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act. Section 2(1)(a)
2. Owner permit operation of motor vehicle on a highway – no insurance Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act. Section 2(1)(b)
3. Pick up passenger for compensation without authority – The Highway Traffic Act Section 39.1(1)
4. Permit Pick up passenger for compensation without authority – The Highway Traffic Act Section 39.1(1)
After the initial interaction, Devlin, in a post to social media, said the alcohol on board was in a cooler he was bringing home for customers.
He said he appealed to speak to the Sarnia Police Services Board at its upcoming meeting, but was denied, and said he is seeking legal action against the police service.
This isn't the first time Devlin was forced to park his vehicles.
Last August the three-wheeled tuk-tuks were pulled off the road due to ministry requirements.
Devlin said since then, following advice from the Ministry of Transportation, he registered under the umbrella of an e-bike or scooter and insured the vehicles to get back on the road.
In the fall of 2022, Sarnia City Council supported the business and approved the use of low-speed vehicles on city streets.
Devlin said the vehicles are equipped with seatbelts, roll bars, handle bars, and they only go as fast as 40 kilometres an hour.