Gander council votes against ATV ban on town streets

Gander town council has voted against a proposal toban all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles from being driven ontown streets.

• Gander police handing out tips, not tickets, ahead of ATV ban vote

Fourcouncillorsvoted Wednesday against themotion to ban the vehicles, whichwas first recommended by an ATV sub-committee formed by the town last year.

Councilor Brian Dove and Mayor Claude Elliott were absent from the meeting.

The issue came to councilafter a number of complaints from residents about noise issues andATVsdriving across properties.

"We have some people that are abusing the system," said Gerry Parrott, who voted in favor of the motion.

"I've received many conversations and [had] talks about it and they would like to see it rescinded."

CouncilorRobertAnstey voted against the ban but saidsomething needs to change to keep ATV users in line with the current by-laws.

"I really think there needs to be an update to the rules," said Anstey. "I think in order to make this town safe we can't just ban it."

"I don't think that does anything because you'd still have the problem. And I think keeping it like it is is not going to do anything."

ATV proponents had argued that the machines bring visitors and business into the community.

Gander's annual Quad-A-Paloozakicks off on Sept. 10, with hundreds of riders expected to take part.