Opposition pushes for more police power to put brakes on hoons
Speeding learner drivers and hoons could have their licences immediately stripped under a proposed road safety crackdown by the state Opposition.
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Hoons caught organising races and learner drivers caught speeding more than 30kmh over the limit face having their licences immediately stripped under plans by the state Opposition.
The Victorian Liberal Nationals moved a house amendment in state parliament last night to crack down on hoons and dangerous drivers.
It came after the Andrews Government introduced the Road Safety and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019 in November last year.
But the Liberal Nationals said the government’s planned laws did not go far enough.
The changes to the bill proposed by the opposition would bring Victoria in line with NSW, where police have greater powers to immediately suspend the licences of hoon and dangerous drivers.
The proposed amendments broaden the circumstances under which Victoria Police can immediately suspend a driver’s licence or learner’s permit. It includes those charged with offences relating to:
Organising or participating in a race;
Deliberate driving causing skidding or loss of traction;
Learner or provisional licence holders speeding more than 30kmh over the speed limit; and
Learner licence holders driving without supervision.
Opposition police spokesman David Southwick said: “The Victorian Liberal Nationals have a zero-tolerance approach to hoon and dangerous driving and this amendment is about getting these offenders off the road immediately.
“Victorians understand there are no second chances when it comes to road safety and these new laws are critical to keeping the community safe.
“Daniel Andrews can’t afford to miss this opportunity to get Victoria’s anti-hoon laws right and must support these important amendments.”
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In July last year police were called after hundreds of young drivers gathered for hoon meets around Melbourne’s northern suburbs.
More than 500 people gathered in Sunshine West, Tullamarine, Derrimut and Keilor Park. The hoons were doing burnouts, skids and committing other dangerous driving offences.
Most of the hoons were from the northern suburbs and aged between 18 and 23.
Under the government’s plans the new laws will introduce immediate licence suspension for excessive speeding offences.
Last year, 263 people lost their lives on Victorian roads — the worst road toll in three years.