Tough anti-hooning laws in parliament

Media Statements

Minister for Police and Community Safety

The Honourable Jack Dempsey

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Tough anti-hooning laws in parliament

Queensland is set to have the nation’s toughest anti-hooning laws after the introduction of the Police Powers and Responsibilities (Motor Vehicle Impoundment) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2012 to parliament this afternoon.

Police Minister Jack Dempsey said when passed through parliament the new laws would see offenders have their cars impounded after their first serious hooning offence.

He said a second offence within five years would have far more serious implications with offenders’ vehicles crushed or forfeited.

“For too long hoons have put the lives of Queenslanders in danger and been punished with little more than a ‘slap on the wrist’,” Mr Dempsey said.

“These new laws will ensure that hoons know they will be punished for dangerous driving on Queensland roads.

“The previous laws, by the former Labor Government’s own admission, were too weak.

“Over the past 10 years 92% of the 320,000 vehicles which were impounded ended back on Queensland roads.

“These new laws will put the brakes on hooning and ensure these dangerous drivers are off the road.”

Mr Dempsey said the Queensland Police Service would continue to operate the Hoon Hotline which helps police target hooning hotspots.

“Members of the public can call the Hoon Hotline and report any hooning activity they have seen in their area,” he said.

“A description of the vehicle, what it was doing, the registration plates, the time and where the vehicle was can go a long way to helping police locate these offenders.”

To contact the Hoon Hotline people can call 134 666.