By Belinda Nolan
BRIMBANK Highway Patrol Police seized almost 200 cars from dangerous drivers under the state’s anti-hoon laws last year.
Victoria Police figures show a total of 194 hoon cars were impounded in the city in 2010, the second highest number confiscated in any Victorian Police Service Area.
The city has been revealed as one of the state’s biggest hoon hotspots, recording the second highest number of hoon offences of any police service area over the past five years.
The majority of hoon drivers are from St Albans, with the suburb being revealed as the top area where hoon offenders live.
The figures come as tough new laws give police the power to impound cars for 30 days for a first offence, up from 48 hours.
Repeat offenders will also face court where they risk losing their car for a further three months, or having it seized permanently.
The government has also expanded the definition of hoon offences to include drink, drug and unlicensed driving, as well as overcrowding of cars.
Brimbank Highway Patrol Sergeant Rod Stein said the new laws would act as a deterrent to hoons, preventing re-offending.
“For some people losing their car for 30 days could mean losing their job and we make no apology for that,” Sgt Stein said.
“If you’re stupid enough to drive dangerously you shouldn’t have a car.”
Last Monday police impounded a car after a woman was caught driving 152km/h in an 80km/h zone on Keilor’s Calder Highway.
The 20-year-old Taylors Lakes probationary driver was driving her mother’s Mazda 3 when she was caught just before midnight.
She lost her licence for a year and was forced to fork out more than $1000 in towing charges.
Head of Road Policing Deputy Commissioner Kieran Walshe said the amendments to hoon laws were “tough for a very good reason”.
“This type of dangerous driving is unacceptable. Police are sick of it, the community is sick of it and these new penalties will see dangerous drivers off the road for longer,” Mr Walshe said.
Fines for traffic offences have also increased from last week.
