Blackened streets: The tactics council is using to catch Glenorchy hoons
The Glenorchy Council is employing new tactics to crack down on hooning, which it says is widespread. TASSIE’S WORST OFFENDING AREAS>>>
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Blackened streets, the sound of screeching and the smell of burnt rubber are three things Glenorchy residents are sick of, but the council hopes it can put an end to “constant” hooning.
Hooning cameras could be installed around Glenorchy as the council investigates ways to crack down on the behaviour, which disturbs the peace.
Concerns were raised in April around the noise, smoke and danger to residents, with one resident asking the council what solutions were available.
In response to the question, a council officer agreed the problem was widespread.
“Almost without exception, all areas in Glenorchy have evidence of hooning,” the council officer said.
Glenorchy Alderman Simon Fraser said hooning was constant.
“Anecdotally, my area in West Moonah, it’s a massive issue,” Mr Fraser said.
“You can hear people hooning on a regular basis.
“You can see black marks on the road at every intersection.”
Mr Fraser said the behaviour put community members at risk.
“It’s very dangerous, there are people driving in a very dangerous manner and it puts innocent people at risk,” Mr Fraser said.
Mr Fraser said it was also particularly bad around the Glenorchy CBD and Springfield Ave.
He noticed a new area had also been targeted.
“I believe it’s bad in the new subdivision,” Mr Fraser said.
“We travelled down there a few weeks ago and the brand new streets are already blackened with tyre marks from burn outs and drag racing.”
The Glenorchy Council officer said it was looking to trial hooning cameras at known hotspot locations.
The footage would be provided to police.
“I believe we’ve had a camera installed and someone put up a ladder and took it down,” Mr Fraser said.
“That’s how cheeky some of these people are.”
The Council officer also said Glenorchy police were seizing vehicles based on reports from the general public.
Mr Fraser said members of the public could play a role in reducing the behaviour.
“Everyone has a phone with a camera on it,” he said.
“Residents could be a bit more vigilant in taking down number plates and reporting them to the police.
“Police can normally track the person down if they identify the plates.”
Tasmania Police assist comm. Jonathan Higgins said hooning was a key concern for police and officers often conduct operations to catch those responsible.
“Speeding and driving dangerously puts lives at risk,” Mr Higgins said.
“A crash can happen in seconds, it only takes a moment for tragedy to strike.
“Police have said enough is enough when it comes to motorists breaking rules and putting other people at risk.”
Mr Higgins said driver behaviour needed to change.
“My message to anyone who’s driving or riding dangerously, or without a licence, or in an unregistered vehicle is simple – get off the roads,” Mr Higgins said.
Police divisions with the highest number of reported hooning incidents between 1 July 2021 and 30 April 2022:
1. Bridgewater
2. Clarence
3. Launceston
4. Glenorchy
5. Burnie
6. Kingston
7. Devonport
8. Central West
9. East Coast
10. North East
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