Simple road seal being used to deter hoon drivers in Campbellfield, Somerton and Tullamarine

IS THIS the beginning of the end for hoon drivers? A simple solution being trialled in the Hume council area is finding success, shredding tyres and stopping reckless motorists in their tracks.

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HOON drivers are being stopped in their tracks in parts of Melbourne’s north under a new initiative that is shredding their tyres.

The Leader can reveal Victoria Police and Hume Council have laid a coarse spray seal on several road surfaces to deter dangerous driving.

Hume sustainable infrastructure and services director Peter Waite said the rough surface did not affect vehicles driving appropriately.

“If a driver attempts to drive dangerously on this type of road, it would be difficult for a driver to spin their wheels,” he said. “If they did manage it, they would burn through the rubber of tyres faster than on a smooth road surface.”

Mr Waite said the roads where the seal had been applied were identified by police as hot spots for hoon behaviour.

The municipality has been marred by illegal hoon events in recent years, particularly in the industrial areas of Campbellfield, Somerton and Tullamarine.

Industrial areas of Tullamarine are a haven for hoon drivers.

Hume is considered the hoon capital of Victoria, with more cars impounded in the municipality than anywhere else. Police impounded 494 vehicles there last year for offences including driving while suspended, excessive speeding, drink or drug-driving and evading police.

Mr Waite said while the surface trial was in its early stages, there had been no evidence of burnouts at the sites. The spray seal may be considered for other locations, he said.

Hume Inspector Anthony Brown said police were trying to get on the front foot in tackling the hoon problem.

“It is an ongoing issue but we are addressing it,” Insp Brown said.

“It’s a big concern for the community because it’s really dangerous behaviour.

“But we are trying different things and willing to take a measured risk if we need to.”