Hoons tear up rest stop
JAIL time is a real possibility for hoons who use freeway rest stops as a playground, say police.
Tyre marks covering a Geelong Ring Road rest stop at Waurn Ponds indicate that one driver had even skidded through an undercover toilet block, leaving a trail of rubbery destruction.
Police fear it’s only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured or killed and have said they will increase patrols to catch offending motorists.
“They think they can come out and run amok but that’s not going to happen,” Sergeant Darren Murphy said.
“It’s dangerous behaviour and you’ve only got to lose control of a car to take out another car or those standing around and watching.
“Having a licence is a privilege and we’re quite happy to take that away.”
On Monday night police impounded two cars after an unaccompanied 16-year-old learner driver from Newtown and a 24-year-old P-plater from Drumcondra were allegedly caught doing burnouts in the Geelong-bound rest area on the Ring Road at Waurn Ponds, about 9pm.
Both cars were immediately impounded under the hoon legislation.
The drivers are expected to be charged on summons with various traffic related offences.
Police said Limeburners Point and O’Briens Rd in Lara were other hoon hot spots.
“We will conduct regular patrols in these areas to stamp out this behaviour,” Sgt Murphy said. “These are areas designed for people to come and relax, not to be used as a playground.”
Sgt Murphy said, if caught, hoons faced fines and charges including careless driving, improper use of a vehicle, conduct endangering life or serious injury, undue noise or smoke, and hefty financial penalties.
“We have the power to impound cars and the cost is near $1000 to get it out, and you’ll be off to court for a magistrate to decide your driving future.
“Jail time is a real possibility,” he said.
‘We have the power to impound cars and
the cost is near $1000 to get it out, and you’ll be off to
court for a magistrate to decide your driving future.’