Victoria Police impounded a total of 66 cars from Narre Warren and Dandenong residents in 2007.By Amy Taylor
NARRE Warren has come in seventh in the 2007 Victorian hoon study conducted by the Victorian Police.
Victoria Police impounded 2600 vehicles from dangerous drivers across the state in 2007 for the first full calendar year that the hoon legislation has been in operation.
Drivers who exceed local speed limits by more than 45km/h or engaged in dangerous driving, including speed racing or burn outs, are among those who have had their vehicle towed away for an initial 48 hours.
Vehicles across the state were impounded at a rate of 50 per week during 2007.
Coming in third for the top 10 metro hooning locations, Narre Warren residents had 34 cars towed away.
Neighbouring Dandenong had 32 cars impounded.
Inspector Tom McGillian of the Vehicle Impoundment Support Unit said the legislation had been active in Victoria for 18 months.
“The message from police is simple – if you break the law, you will lose your vehicle,” Inspector McGillian said.
A high proportion of drivers are aged between 18 and 21, with probationary drivers leading the race in unsafe road usage, police said.
“This age group is more willing to take dangerous risks – risks to themselves and others.
“Almost half of our hoon drivers are probationary licence holders and 98 per cent are male,” he said.
Victoria Police is currently training police in the impounding procedure, developing them into the most qualified across the country.
Although the comparisons between different towns and suburbs throughout the state can be quite difficult, the hoon legislation will remain until motorists understand the true impact of their actions, police said.
“Hoon behaviour costs lives and police will continue confiscating hoon vehicles in the interests of road safety for all Victorians,” Insp McGillian said.
