Hoon clampdown

By Alison Noonan
COMMUNITY leaders have welcomed the State Government’s tough new anti-hoon laws amid repeated reports of dangerous drivers terrorising Casey streets.
Drivers caught drag-racing, performing burnouts or speeding face having their cars impounded, immobilised or even confiscated when the new legislation comes into effect on 1 July.
Cranbourne MP Jude Perera said the regime would apply to hoon drivers, reckless speeders and repeat offenders who drive after being disqualified.
“Hoons love their cars and put a great deal of money and energy into them.
“This tough new legislation will hit them where it hurts — by taking away their wheels,” he said.
Mr Perera said first time offenders would have their cars impounded or immobilised for 48 hours.
He said people caught a second time risked losing their cars for up to three months while drivers convicted of a third or subsequent offence would have their cars seized permanently.
“The decision to immobilise a car or impound it will be made by police.
“The new legislation will prohibit intentionally driving a motor vehicle in a manner that causes it to undergo loss of traction,” he said.
Under the laws, a new offence of ‘improper use of a motor vehicle’ will be created to specifically target burnouts, doughnuts, fish tailing, drifting and other hoon acts.
Drivers caught under the new laws will also face prosecution under existing road safety laws.
Casey councillor Steve Beardon said he received several calls each week from frustrated residents wanting council to get hoon drivers off their streets.
Cr Beardon claimed the impoundment legislation boasted a proven track record in Queensland.
“Statistics from Queensland show that of 1700 drivers who were caught for first and second offences, only two got done for third offences, which proves the legislation works.
“I can’t wait for it be introduced in Victoria.
“I get that many calls about hoon drivers in Cranbourne and surrounding areas. These laws will take their cars off the road and teach them a powerful lesson,” he said.
Cr Beardon also encouraged residents to report hoon drivers to the City of Casey’s Hoon Hotline on 1800 18 4666.
Officer in charge of Cranbourne Police Senior Sergeant Bruce Kitchen said the problem of hoon drivers was widespread throughout Casey.
“It isn’t particularly rife in any one area — it’s in pockets across the city.
“We welcome any legislation to assist with the bad behaviour of drivers.
“In the meantime, we would encourage residents to ring the police at the time it is happening.
“If it is a continuous problem and you know the identity of the car or drivers, then write a letter to the officer in charge at Cranbourne police,” he said.