Hoons put on notice
New cameras used in crackdown on dangerous drivers
Anti-hooning camera trailers equipped with automatic number plate recognition to detect stolen vehicles are rolling out in Townsville as part of a new $6m trial.
Police Minister Mark Ryan said the trial would begin with three anti-hooning camera trailers located at police districts in Townsville, Logan and Moreton, with more to be built, pending the outcome of an evaluation.
The camera trailers have high-quality technology to record and capture hooning behaviour in real-time and automatic number plate recognition.
They will be able to capture reckless hooning behaviour for police to use as evidence in court and assist in identifying all parties involved.
QPS Acting Assistant Commissioner Chris Stream said the anti-hoon trailers are one of several overt and covert strategies police use to target hooning, particularly largescale hooning events.
“Police will continue to conduct a variety of intelligencedriven enforcement patrols while also undertaking operations using the high-definition camera trailers,” he said.
“We encourage members of the community to continue working with police and report hooning activity either on our website or by calling 13 HOON.”
Police Minister Mark Ryan warned that dangerous driving and hooning-related behaviour not only endangers the lives of those behind the wheel but they also put innocent members of the public at risk.
“Our message to anyone taking part in high-risk activities on our roads is that police will continue to target you, investigate your dangerous antics and take action against you,” he said.
“The majority of Queenslanders understand the importance of road safety, they observe the rules and are sick and tired of this kind of behaviour on our roads.”
Driving in a way that makes unnecessary noise or smoke carries a maximum fine of $2875 while the most serious offences, such as careless driving or driving without due care and attention — or street racing, could attract a maximum fine of $5750 or six months jail.
In addition, drivers risk impoundment or forfeiture of their motor vehicle.