By XAVIER SMERDON
WYNDHAM continues to be a haven for hoons with new laws enabling police to impound cars for 30 days still not deterring dangerous driving in the area.
The Wyndham Police Service Area had 32 cars impounded under the tougher laws between July and September this year, which gave it the dubious honour of making the top 10 for impoundments in the State, according to recently released Victoria Police statistics.
Since hoon laws began 434 cars have been locked up in Wyndham, again making it number 10 on the list.
Head of Road Policing Deputy Commissioner Kieran Walshe said the results should send a strong message to would-be dangerous drivers.
“More than 1000 motorists have already felt the impact of tough new impoundment laws, losing their vehicle for a minimum 30 days,” Mr Walshe said.
“This should serve as a warning that police are 100 per cent committed to getting hoon and dangerous drivers off the road.”
Chairperson of the Westgate Community Road Safety Council Jim Giddings said it was up to the courts and the community to work together in order to halt hoon driving.
“It’s merely up to the courts to enforce the harsher penalties, and this is done by allowing more cars to be crushed,” Mr Giddings said.
“The community also needs to report this outrageous behaviour.
“There is an increasing number of drivers undertaking hoon driving in Wyndham and people need to be aware that reporting of hoon behaviour through Crime Stoppers is taken in confidence.”
Mr Giddings said he expected more drivers would be caught and have their cars impounded.
“I’m surprised that there are not more impounded because there is still a lot of hoon activity in Wyndham,” he said.
“The police are doing a good job but they are under resourced and a lot of hoon drivers go unreported by the community.”
To report a hoon driver call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.police.vic.gov.au.
