The State Governments plan to crush hoons' cars after third offence.

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State Government says it will match part of opposition plan to crush hoons' cars after third offence
Matthew Johnston From: Herald Sun January 22, 2010 12:15PM

obHoon war has broken out in state political ranks with the government announcing it will move to crush unroadworthy or dangerous cars if hoon drivers are caught on a third offence.

Earlier today, the opposition announced if it was elected in November it would crush hoons’ cars after three offences, and would increase the impoundment penalty for a first offence from two days to 30 days.

The Brumby Government’s full anti-hoon policy will be released later this year, but Transport Accident Commission Minister Tim Holding said some cars would be crushed.

“Our Government will implement a new regime for repeat hoon driving offenders, which will result in repeat hoon offenders having their cars confiscated to be sold or crushed,” Mr Holding said.

Earlier this week, Premier John Brumby said he would seek advice on road safety issues and said everything was on the table – including crushing cars.

It is unclear whether that advice has been received.

Eighteen months ago Police Minister Bob Cameron said the idea of crushing cars was “irresponsible” and populist.

Mr Holding said cars could be sold to cover debts if a driver was driving someone else’s car, and remaining proceeds would go towards road safety. Only the most dangerous or unroadworthy cars would be crushed to send a message.

The government will also look at increasing the impoundment penalty for a first offence from two days to seven days.

Opposition Leader Ted Baillieu said it was time to crack down on hoons who put people’s lives at risk.

“Victorians need a strong zero tolerance approach to hoon driving,” Mr Baillieu said.

“This means tough laws which increase impoundment times, force hoon drivers to take safe driving training, and forfeit and crush vehicles of the worst repeat offenders.”

The Opposition’s police would introduce new anti-hoon laws, including:

- A 30-day impoundment for a first hoon offence, and requirement that a safe driving course is completed by offenders;

- Up to three months impoundment for a second offence;

- Crushing of vehicles for a third offence after parts are stripped and sold.

Mr Baillieu said the money raised from selling car parts would help the program run as cost neutral, with any excess money put into the TAC and Police budgets.

He said the tougher laws would act in a similar way to current anti-hoon measures where police can apply to courts to have vehicles confiscated.

Mr Baillieu said a key part of the program would be driver re-education.

The Opposition and Government say they will not crush cars if they are owned by third parties.

Mr Baillieu said forfeiture of a car would not occur if the “registered operator or owner of a vehicle can prove the offence was committed without their knowledge or consent".

Impounding would not occur in cases of stolen or hired vehicles either.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/vic...-1225822477807