Hooning hotspots: Locals call for brakes on dangerous driving

The NewsMail asked readers to share their thoughts on the issue and here’s what just some of them had to say.

YOUR SAY: The NewsMail recently asked readers to have their say on the heated topic of hooning in Bundaberg.

Bundaberg police recently revealed incidents of hooning, burnouts and street racing remain to be constant issues in the region and across the state.

One local case recently saw a P-plater detected at driving excessive speeds of 114km per hour in a 60km zone.

The NewsMail asked readers to share their thoughts on the issue and here’s what just some of them had to say.

Paul Moss said “definitely an issue – car and license should be taken from them for 12 months minimum … there’s a difference from momentarily accidentally exceeding the speed limit and hooning.”

Resident Jemma Rose Chaplin said it had been an issue “in Kentucky Blue Grass lately” with fears a car may one day crash through the front of her house.

Denise Larsen said someone had already crashed through her daughter’s fence.

Aileen Messer said she thinks offenders should have their cars impounded and if “caught a second time” have them crushed.

But Dianne Rossow disagreed saying cars should be auctioned off for extra road revenue instead.

Some readers including Judy Cairns felt the issue wasn’t anything new – “it’s always been a thing – for years and years and years.”

But some locals said they are not concerned about the issue in Bundaberg at all.

“No – find real problems,” William Volcel said.

Luke Kappler said “I would say Bundaberg’s drug and theft problem exceed this.”

And Bob Walker said “better then breaking into homes and stealing cars.”

While Jason Love said he was “more concerned with the amount of people not able to do the speed limit or taking forever to get to it.”

As well as sharing the incidents they had witnessed first-hand, readers also revealed the areas that they felt had become a hotspot for hooning offences.

Lorraine Fraser said “Burnett Heads – the Port Rd and Rubyanna” were problematic areas.

While Susan Simons said “Boundary St … all the way down May St, straight through give way signs, across Boundary into DeGunst” as well as “Parklands Estate” and “The Ring Rd every night.”

And Lea Lee Marriott said “Innes Park Rd and Logan Rd at Innes Park” were common places for hooning to occur.

Amanda Tapp said “some hoon on Curtis St comes past very regularly … the speed he does down the street is crazy – someone will get hurt one day.”

And Heather Mason revealed she hears it in “Avoca nearly every Thursday night” as well as “Johnson St, Branyan Dr.”

Stuie Shaw said the area where new buildings are being constructed near the airport was on the list and “sometimes after work I can hear them doing burnouts.”

Readers noted other problematic suburbs included Moore Park Beach, Svensson Heights as well as Bundaberg East and West.

While specific roads mentioned were Pine Creek, Sully Downding, Hughes, Coonarr, Dr May’s, Fairymead, Ashfield, Sharon, Telegraph, Avondale, Plantation, South Littabella and Greatheads.

Bartholdt Drive along with Victoria and Boundary Streets are also considered to be major hotspots for illegal hooning according to members of the public.

Some members of the public suggested creating more designated areas for drivers – similar to the Carina Speedway.

“If they have a place to do it and have fun who cares?” Travis Jorgensen said.

Mike Kanga agreed saying “would be good to see a dedicated area for it.”

Meanwhile Corey English said he’s “waiting for a motorsport complex.”

Jamie Grey said to “make somewhere for them to go” and to “charge $10 per car.”

In response Kris Trogg said “obviously you have not seen or heard of places like Carina or Benaaraby Drag Strip … they are both on Facebook and do events all the time.”

In agreeance Ken Robertson said “you have a burn out pad at Carina Speedway so no excuses.”

But Emma Arthurs rebutted this idea saying “if they want it so bad they should fund it and build it themselves.”

Meanwhile Paula Jean just wants to know “what is hooning exactly?”

And as for Jilly Robertson, she wants to know “with all these comments and feedback, will anything be done?”