Police put heat on hoon hot spot

– Shaun Inguanzo
GREATER Dandenong is one of the state’s leading hoon hot spots according to statistics released this week by Victoria Police.
Police released statistics this week to mark the first anniversary of the new hoon laws.
The statistics show that 39 cars were impounded in Greater Dandenong over the past 12 months, with the city ranking second to Greater Bendigo, which had 50 cars impounded.
Greater Dandenong beat Frankston, Hoppers Crossing, St Albans and Mill Park, Geelong and Werribee, among others.
Police said that more than 2100 vehicles had been impounded due to dangerous driving since the hoon legislation was introduced on 1 July 2006.
Drivers who break the speed limit by over 45km/h or drive dangerously are among those who have had their vehicle towed away for 48 hours.
Assistant Commissioner Noel Ashby declared the legislation a success.
“For the first time, police have the power to immediately remove dangerous drivers from our roads by impounding their vehicles,” A/C Ashby said.
“By doing this, we ultimately make our roads safer and reduce the incidence of road trauma and the road toll.
“I’ve spoken to police officers throughout the state who say this is legislation they are confident in using and enjoy using because of the immediate impact it has.
“We’ve also had extremely positive feedback from the public about this legislation and the way that it has been implemented throughout Victoria.” But whether it is reducing hooning remains unclear, according to Liberal police spokesman Andrew McIntosh.
Mr McIntosh said police needed the powers to stretch to drivers busted for drug and drink driving.
“This is about road safety, zero tolerance and making sure we remain at the forefront of enforcement,” he said.