By Charlene Gatt
A 1991 HOLDEN Statesman is one of more than 1000 cars and motorbikes that have been impounded in the first three months of the state’s tough new hoon laws.
The Statesman was put in the Footscray impoundment yard after a 16-year-old Yarraville boy was caught driving it along Blenheim Rd in Newport.
Also under yard-arrest is a late model Mercedes e55 amg, which was impounded in late September. A 35-year-old male was caught driving the luxury vehicle at more than 100km over the limit, while a 2009 Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle was impounded because the 21-year-old rider from Hillside was found to be driving while disqualified.
From 1 July, Victoria Police has had the power to immediately impound hoon vehicles for 30 days.
Police have so far impounded 1038 cars, with 974 males behind the wheel.
Brimbank topped the list for impoundments, with 86 cars put away in the past 90 days, while Hume (47 impounds), Casey (44), Monash (40) and Bendigo (39) rounded out the top five.
Deputy Commissioner Kieran Walshe said the results should sent a strong message to would-be dangerous drivers.
“This is outrageous behaviour on the state’s roads and places not only these motorists at risk, but other innocent road users,” he said.
“Speed is attributed to about 30 per cent of fatal collisions on Victorian roads and police will continue enforce speed limits in all areas of our roads.
“It’s concerning that 310 vehicles have been impounded for unlicensed driving.
“If you have been suspended or disqualified from driving, it’s for a good reason. You will be held to account, your vehicle will be impounded, you will be summonsed to court and it will be expensive.”
