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VIC: 78yo hoon has car impounded


06 Jan 2009 8:20 AM
Eds: Reissuing to change day hoon drivers retrieved their cars from Tuesday to Monday on updated police advice.

MELBOURNE, Jan 6 AAP - A 78-year-old Melbourne man caught speeding at 170km/h on a winding road has become the oldest person to have his car impounded under Victoria's hoon laws.

The man was driving the Nissan Pulsar at 170km/h in a 100km/h zone in Brandy Creek Road, Warragul, east of Melbourne on January 1 when he was caught by police.

He was following a Nissan Skyline driven by a 36-year-old man.

Acting Sergeant Carlo Visser said the road was six metres wide and winding.

"It is disappointing to see a senior member of our community being so irresponsible - what example does this set for younger drivers?" he said.

"The man expressed to us that he believed he was a skilled driver, and that he races cars.

"But we fail to see how a driver can be competent when they are tearing around roads at 170km/h knowing that other drivers will not be expecting you.

"To put those people's safety - and your own - at such risk is really just toying with death," Act Sgt Visser said.

Both men had their cars impounded and paid $600 to retrieve their vehicles from the Warragul impoundment on Monday.

The 78-year-old from Narre Warren North and the 36-year-old Canterbury man will both appear before court where they face fines and licence suspensions.

Previously, the oldest driver to have their car impounded for speeding was a 64-year-old Melbourne man who drove a Porsche at 110km/h in a 60km/h zone.

Police have already impounded 42 vehicles in just six days from Victorian drivers.