Hot-headed hoons face losing wheels

SHIRE of Yarra Ranges motorists have been warned that ‘hoon’ behaviour will not be tolerated as Victoria Police implemented a new vehicle impound legislation on the weekend.
The legislation commonly known as ‘hoon legislation’ aims to enhance road safety and give police officers the authority to impound a vehicle if a motorist is intercepted for dangerous driving.
Yarra Ranges District Inspector Peter Lardner said that any measure that is undertaken to reduce the rate of collisions in the shire was welcome.
He said the collision rate in the shire was one area of concern and that any legislation that reduces accidents was appreciated by police. Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Noel Ashby said the legislation primarily aims to deter drivers from dangerous and anti-social driving.
“Police expect the threat of seizing and impounding a car for a period of two days will deter drivers from dangerous behaviour,” he said.
Mr Ashby said police can impound cars if a motorist is caught participating in a road race or speed trial, careless driving, causing a vehicle to make excessive noises or smoke, exceeding the speed limit by 45 kmh or driving while disqualified.
“Drivers consciously decide to commit these offences and they will now face very serious consequences as a result,” he said.
Drivers who are caught committing one of the offences outlined by Mr Ashby, can either face having their cars seized immediately, or police can serve the driver with a notice to surrender, which gives them 10-days to surrender their vehicle for impoundment.
Mr Ashby said despite its ‘hoon’ reputation, the legislation applies to all Victorian motorists. “Not all the applicable offence apply to hoon drivers. Motorists should note that they could have their vehicle impounded for driving whilst disqualified,” he said.
In addition to losing their vehicles for two days, drivers must also pay the cost of the towing and the storage of the impoundment when collecting their vehicle. – Tania Martin