The Los Angeles City Council is getting ready to introduce a new strategy to prevent illegal street racing and prevent deadly crashes.
Officials want to improve public safety when a modified ordinance goes into effect next month giving officers the authority to go after spectators, not only suspected illegal street racers. Street racing task forces will be able impound the a spectators vehicle.
City Councilmember Mitchell Englander said he has seen how many people, including families and children, will attend tailgating parties.
"You are adding fuel to the fire. You are giving them the audience that they are looking for," Englander said.
One recent deadly street race happened in February near Plumber Street and Canoga Avenue in Chatsworth. One of the vehicles suspected of street racing lost control and careened into the crowd killing two people.
"This racing thing, I think it's dangerous," said Nancy Solis, a resident.
Solis said she believes spectators should have their vehicles towed away.
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"I think they should be punished in some kind of way."
Officials said officers will be able to impound any vehicle suspected of attending illegal races for up to 30 days.
