City deploys street sweeper, road crews to Stoney Creek as metal spikes shred tires
‘I hope that we resolve it quickly,’ councillor says as constituent complaints mount.
A street sweeper was out on Stoney Creek and Winona roads Tuesday to clear any lingering metal spikes.
Jason Bain/Metroland file photo
A municipal street sweeper was out on Stoney Creek and Winona roads Tuesday to clear any lingering metal spikes that have cost local drivers hundreds of dollars in flat tire repairs.
The multipronged spikes, known as caltrops, set off a social media firestorm this week after dozens of residents complained of metal shard-punctured tires.
Hamilton police confirmed Monday they are actively investigating the matter.
On Tuesday, following a request from Ward 10 Coun. Jeff Beattie, the city’s road division deployed a street sweeper to Barton Street and Fifty Road — two areas of concern cited by affected residents. Multiple city road crews were also sent to the scene to inspect other nearby streets.
In a statement, Mike Field, acting director of transportation, noted the city doesn’t typically operate street sweepers in the winter.
Beattie said he contacted the city’s road division after receiving as many as a dozen constituent complaints about the metal spikes.
“I hope that we resolve it quickly,” he said over a call. “We take it seriously and just want to stop seeing people get these flat tires.”
Beattie added the street sweeper would look to “clear off any (spikes) that could be lingering” as police continue to probe for a root cause.
What that cause might be remains unknown.
Most online reports have come out of Stoney Creek and Winona, particularly Barton Street, as well as Fruitland, McNeilly, South Service, North Service, Glover and Fifty roads.
As it is an industry-heavy area, Beattie said it’s not unfathomable to think that the spikes could have fallen off a truck carrying scrap metal. But the “randomness” of it all — multiple reports on multiple different roads — “might also lead to something more intentional.”
“If this is something that was done intentionally, police are going to find out and we’ll make sure this is resolved in a swift and secure way,” he added.
Police confirm they have received spike-related reports from residents — but just how many is unclear.
“As this is ongoing, details related to the number of reports, the specific locations involved, and how or why the incidents occurred cannot be confirmed at this stage,” said Const. Adam Kimber.
“Anyone with information is encouraged to contact police, and we continue to ask those who have not yet reported damage to do so, as this assists investigators in determining the scope of the issue.”
Designed so one spike always points upward when thrown on the ground, caltrops were deployed by armies from ancient times through the Second World War to halt advancing troops. Modern iterations include devices like spike belts — long, collapsible strips that are laid across a road to puncture tires in high-speed chases.
Kimber said police use approved traffic control tools — such as spike belts — in “very limited and specific circumstances.”
“These are distinctly different from what has been described in the reports currently under investigation,” he added.
Police didn’t clarify if caltrops are illegal or a prohibited weapon in Canada.
“That determination would depend on the facts established through the investigation and is not something we can speculate on while the matter remains under review,” Kimber said.