The Honourable Neil Roberts
13/06/2010
Hooning impounds passes 20,000 mark
Over 20,000 cars have been impounded since tough State Government anti-hooning laws came into effect.
Police Minister Neil Roberts said the crackdown on hooning offences showed how seriously the Bligh Government took the issue.
"As at 10 May 2010, Queensland Police have impounded a total of 20,336 motor vehicles under our vehicle impoundment legislation," Mr Roberts said.
"Reckless driving in our community will not be tolerated - if you don't follow the rules we will get you off the road."
"Our tough laws hit the offenders where it hurts by taking away their vehicles and protects the community by getting these irresponsible drivers off Queensland roads."
Queensland's 'Type 1' vehicle confiscation laws, introduced in 2002, allow police to target anti-social driving behaviour including street racing, time trials and burnouts.
In July 2007, an extension to impoundment laws was made to include drivers who repeatedly drive unregistered d and uninsured vehicles, drive unlicensed or disqualified, drink drive over the high alcohol limit, fail to provide a specimen of breath or blood for testing, drive while under 24-hour suspension or drive illegally modified vehicles.
Under these new 'Type 2' provisions, police can impound a vehicle for 48 hours after a first repeat offence.
Mr Roberts said of the over 20,000 vehicles impounded, more than 4,800 had been eligible for application to a magistrates court for further sanction, which could include an impoundment of three months for a second repeat offence or forfeiture to the State for a third.
"Our anti-hooning laws are the toughest in Australia. It's a clear message to hoons that their vehicles will be seized if they don't behave responsibly on our roads."
"We are committed to continuing to provide Queensland Police with the powers they need to combat hooning in our communities."
Acting Chief Superintendent Col Campbell from State Traffic Support said the behaviour of some drivers needed to change.
"The time has come for drivers to accept responsibility for their actions when they are in control of a vehicle," Superintendent Campbell said.
"Police will continue to do whatever it takes to make Queensland roads safer and the QPS will continue to impound the vehicles of drivers who break these laws."
