Vic: Bendigo is Victoria's hoon capital
15 Dec 2008 12:44 PM
MELBOURNE, Dec 15 AAP - The central Victorian town of Bendigo has the dubious honour of being the state's hoon capital.
Police impounded 120 cars in Bendigo in 2008, significantly more than any other regional or metropolitan area.
The total number of vehicles impounded state-wide this year also hit an all-time high of 3,000.
And for the first time, the number of probationary licence holders who had their cars impounded outstripped full licence holders (42 per cent to 36 per cent).
Since 2006, when police were given powers to seize hoons' cars, a total of 6,409 vehicles have been impounded.
An average of 61 cars were seized each week this year, compared with 50 per week last year - an increase of about 15 per cent.
Police Inspector Tom McGillian said the powers had helped keep dangerous drivers off the state's roads.
"There is a strong belief that there are significant road safety benefits by removing the ability for idiot drivers to commit these offences," he said.
"The community support for vehicle impoundment has continued to increase and police receive a high number of public reports each week about hoon activity in local areas."
Under the laws, anyone caught travelling at excessive speeds, driving dangerously or street racing can have their cars towed and locked up for 48 hours.
Of all those who have their cars confiscated, 97 per cent are male, with an average age of 24. A third of all impoundments take place on weekends.
