Melissa Shields wants council and police to take action on hoons speeding along Brookland Greens Boulevard in Cranbourne. Melissa’s husband Ben had his parked Commodore written off by a runaway speedster on Friday night.
By Glen Atwell
WHEN Ben and Melissa Shields first set eyes on their Brookland Greens Boulevard home six months ago, the recently married couple jokingly considered buying a rally car to navigate the winding two-kilometre road.
A day after moving in, they realised speeding and hooning in the estate was no laughing matter.
Night after night, cars tear past, tyres screech and Ben and Melissa lay awake in bed waiting for a collision to occur.
On Friday night, the inevitable occurred.
Around 10.30pm a rogue driver crashed into Ben’s parked car outside the house and then sped off.
Ben’s Holden Commodore was a write-off and the damage from the collision was estimated around $5000.
The lovebirds were married in their backyard two weeks ago, and Friday night’s incident has put an abrupt end to their honeymoon happiness.
“We’ve been waiting for this to happen to someone else in the street. I never thought it would be us,” Melissa said.
And unless Cranbourne Police can identify the fleeing driver, Ben and Melissa will be left with the repair bill.
“Insurance will only cover the damage if we can find the driver. The chances of that are slim,” Melissa said.
Witnesses described the driver as male, and the offending vehicle as a white Ford Falcon ute, with two silver tradesman-like containers in the tray.
Melissa said something had to be done about vehicles using Brookland Greens Boulevard as a drag strip.
“It’s two-kilometres of winding road, yet there is only one speed hump,” she said.
“Police cars are often here trying to catch speeding vehicles, why doesn’t the council install more speed humps or other traffic control devices.”
Councillor Steve Beardon said, “Hoon Hotline signs have been installed on the corner of Cherryhills Drive and Brookland Greens Boulevard.”
City of Casey Manager Transport Paul Hamilton told the News that Brookland Greens Blvd had been recently identified as a concern for residents and that Casey Council will undertake a Local Traffic Management assessment in the near future.
“Residents who have concerns about the traffic conditions in Brookland Greens Boulevard are encouraged to discuss these issues with council officers by phoning the Customer Service Centre on 9705 5200, and by reporting incidents of hooning or speeding via the Casey Hoon Hotline (1800 18 HOON) or directly to the Police,” he said.
“Residents can also request a “50 In My Street” bin sticker to be sent to them by contacting council’s customer service centre.”
Cranbourne Police are investigating the incident on Friday night and anyone with information can contact the station on 5991 0600.
