Opinion: Putting the brakes on southern boy racers
The actions of boy racers are dangerous, they put lives at risk and they’re a constant nuisance and concern for many Southern communities.
Penny Simmonds is the MP for Invercargill.
Boy racers are an on-going problem in the South, but the Government is set to change that.
Last year, two bystanders were injured at a boy racers’ gathering in Invercargill in May and less than six months ago Southland police issued 38 infringement notices, and ordered 11 vehicles off the road, in a crackdown on anti-social road users.
The actions of boy racers are dangerous, they put lives at risk and they’re a constant nuisance and concern for many Southern communities.
The Government is now stepping up to put the brakes on this behaviour in the South.
New laws are being introduced to strengthen penalties for anti-social driving.
Anyone involved in illegal street racing, fleeing from police, or taking part in intimidating convoys could face harsh consequences, including the forfeiture or destruction of their vehicle.
This is part of a broader effort to create safer roads for everyone.
And the penalties won’t stop at vehicle confiscation.
The new legislation also grants police more power to manage illegal gatherings, like those we see in Southland.
They will have the authority to close roads, disperse large groups, and issue fines to those refusing to comply.
The Government is also increasing the fines for excessive noise from vehicles - what once cost $50 could now cost $300 for on-the-spot fines, with court fines of up to $3000.
These changes are in response to the frustration that many Southlanders feel about the actions of boy racers.
Whether it’s the risk posed by reckless drivers, or the disruption caused by loud and dangerous convoys, I am pleased that we are standing up for safer communities in the South.