Police target hoon driving in ACT rural areas
ACT Policing issued 20 defect notices and 11 traffic infringements across two nights targeting hoon driving across the ACT.
On the evening of Friday, 4 August 2023, police responded to information from the community that numerous vehicles were heading towards Uriarra.
ACT Road Policing, in coordination with Police Communications, South District, and Rural Patrol, responded to this information and disrupted a large number of vehicles from the area.
The vehicles continued to move around the ACT and congregate in groups of 50-150 vehicles, with police undertaking further disruptions tactics.
On Saturday evening (5 August), Road Policing followed up with further targeted patrols in rural areas, including Uriarra Road, Brindabella Road, Cotter Road, and Paddy’s River Road, as well as on the Monaro Highway.
Police also targeted industrial zones, including Beard, Fyshwick, Mitchell, and Hume.
Across the two nights of targeted operations, police issued 20 vehicle defect notices, including two vehicles put off the road immediately due to serious defects, while one vehicle was identified as being driven under an existing unregistered vehicle permit.
Eleven Traffic Infringement Notices were issued, while police also conducted more than 370 random breath tests, with one driver found to be driving under the influence of alcohol, while a further 11 roadside drug tests were conducted.
Officer in Charge of Road Policing, Detective Acting Inspector Paul Hutcheson, said police will target hoon driving in all areas across the ACT.
“Public roads are not a drag way or a racetrack, whether in a suburban area or somewhere more secluded, and police will take action against people who drive in a dangerous manner on our roads,” Detective Acting Inspector Hutcheson said.
“I commend the members of the public who reported this illegal activity to police, and would encourage others who witness similar behaviour to do the same.
“We take reports of hoon driving seriously, and will investigate all matters, but we can’t tackle this issue alone.
“We need information from the public - the more information we receive, the better intelligence picture we can create of these offenders.
“I would encourage anyone who witnesses hoon driving in the community to report that activity to police.”
Anyone who witnesses hoon driving or dangerous driving is urged to contact ACT Policing Operations immediately on 131 444. Information can also be provided to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website.
Information can be provided anonymously.
MEDIA ENQUIRIES
POLICE MEDIA — (02) 5126 9070, act-police-media@afp.gov.au