On Christmas Day, residents in St. Martinville decided to celebrate by driving a small train through the city. It reportedly caused traffic to slow prompting a concerned resident recorded the incident and sent it to police.

The group didn’t have a permit, and Police Chief Ricky Martin says they should have. 

According to the St. Martinville city ordinance, a permit must be obtained from the city after approval by the council to start any kind of parade.

The trolley caused traffic slowdown on Christmas Day, Martin said. 

City Council member Craig Prosper said the group should have presented the idea to the city council. “They were traveling along Main Street and state highways. I don’t think there were any restraints available for the kids on it. So it was pretty dangerous,” says Prosper. 

If a permit would have been obtained safely and securely, it would have been discussed and the correct measures would’ve been taken, the councilman claimed.

“We have two beautiful parks.  That could’ve happened in either one of the parks riding the kids around,” Prosper said.  “It could’ve been secured. There’s a way to do that but not on the main thoroughfares. It’s not for kids.”