POLICE have issued a warning to Hobsons Bay hoons with statistics showing 416 drivers have had their cars impounded in the past six years.
State government figures show that in the Bay an average of more than five cars a month were impounded between the introduction of anti-hoon laws in July 2006 and September 30 this year. Hobsons Bay was ranked fourth in the west, behind Brimbank (1113 impoundments), Wyndham (579), Melton (466) and Maribyrnong (191). More than 20,000 vehicles have been impounded around Victoria.
Under the law, police can impound a car for 30 days, extend impoundments for repeat offenders and apply to have cars crushed.
Police Minister Peter Ryan said common hoon offences in the state were excessive speed (45km/h or more over the limit), improper use of a vehicle, and driving while disqualified or suspended. He said statistics showed that young men made up 96 per cent of hoon drivers. Hobsons Bay’s Inspector Bill Mathers said hoon problems tended to increase in warmer months.
He warned that police would be out in force.
“The hoon legislation is a good tool to put irresponsible, dangerous drivers off our roads,” he said.
