POLICE will continue cracking down on hoon drivers over the festive season as north-west car impoundment figures continue to soar.
Data released last week reveals that so far this year 124 drivers in Melton have had their cars impounded, compared to 78 in 2011. In Brimbank, 252 drivers ‘lost’ their cars, compared to 307 the previous year.
The figures were released in the wake of the introduction of tougher penalties for hoon drivers involved in police pursuits. Drivers caught trying to escape police now face up to three years’ jail and licence loss for at least 12 months.
Leading Senior Constable Allan Edwards, of Melton police, said most offences involved suspended or disqualified drivers, with men aged 18-25 the main offenders.
“These are the type of drivers who tend to disobey the rules and be noticed by police, which is why they are suspended or disqualified in the first place.”
Just after 8pm last Thursday, police nabbed a St Albans motorcyclist, 27, driving more than twice the speed limit on the Melton Highway near Ryans Lane. “He was driving 160km/h in an 80 zone,” Senior Constable Edwards said. “His motorcycle was immediately impounded by police who had set up a booze bus on the highway.”
Brimbank’s Acting Sergeant David England urged drivers to take extra caution over the Christmas period.
He said the holidays were typically the worst time of year on Victorian roads.
“The roads are busier and drivers are reminded to concentrate while driving and avoid unnecessary distractions such as using their mobile phones and having unrestrained passengers.
“Plan ahead to get to your destination safely and to avoid the need to rush or take risks.”
Acting Sergeant England said police would conduct a number of traffic operations over the Christmas period targeting drink-drivers, speeding drivers, passengers not wearing seat belts and drivers using mobile phones.
Since tougher hoon laws came into effect last year, the number of vehicles impounded across Victoria has increased by more than 20 per cent.
