Councillor Sam Aziz with Mumtaz Amin’s children Zahid, Zubida, Zahida, Yasin and Aisha on the dangerous corner at Narre Warren South. 29444 Picture: Luke Plummer
By Lia Bichel
CONCERNED residents fed up with hoons are pushing for traffic controls and increased policing on Hampshire Drive, Narre Warren South.
Twenty-five residents have joined forces and signed a petition urging Council to implement speed humps in an attempt to slow down heavy-footed drivers.
“Cars fly down the street. Drivers put their foot to the floor,” resident Allan Beutera said. “There are so many kids in this area and if nothing is done, someone will be killed.”
Mr Beutera said there have been many “close-calls” which include a speeding car losing control around the bend on Hampshire Drive and hitting a tree in front of his parent’s house. Around the same bend, another car lost control and wiped out a BMW parked on the road.
The owner of the car, Mumtaz Amin, said it was fortunate one of his six children, aged two to 10, were not hit.
“I worry about my children,” he said. “They were playing on the front lawn when the accident happened. They were very lucky. Something needs to be done urgently to fix the problem.”
Aisha Miles frequently visits her mother who lives on the narrow street and was also concerned about the safety of her children.
“My mother told me not to let my son play in the front yard,” she said. “It’s such a busy area. It’s not safe.”
Councillor Sam Aziz said council has noted the petition and would investigate and respond appropriately. “Council endeavours to do its best to keep safety a priority,” he said.
Police have not received complaints from that area in the past 12 months Casey TMU Acting Sergeant Allen Inderwisch said, but he encouraged residents to call the hoon hotline, 000, or the local police station when they witness hooning.
“We need to be notified of where the problems are occurring,” he said. “We encourage people to let us know when they witness burnouts or inappropriate activity so we can attend.”
Anyone who witnesses hoon activity is urged to call 1800 18 hoon.
