Boy Racer Bylaw Might Get a Closer Look

A boy racer bylaw might be on the way for New Plymouth District.

Tonight (TUESDAY) the Policy Committee recommended that the Council approve the investigation of a bylaw to manage illegal driving behaviour in the De Havilland Drive/Connett Road area, and any other trouble spots that are identified.

The Council will consider the recommendation at its 4 August meeting.

In May Deputy Mayor Alex Matheson and Councillor Shaun Biesiek, on behalf of the Police Liaison Working Party, requested that a bylaw prohibiting light vehicles from the Connett Road area be investigated as a way to stop the ongoing problems caused by drivers.

“The night-time activities of drivers in the De Havilland Drive area has got to the point where business owners say they can not secure safe passage for their staff during the evening,” says Manager Strategy and Policy Kate Macnaught.

“Nearby residents have also complained about glass being left on the road verges, excessive noise, large crowds of intoxicated spectators, and dangerous driving and to and from the area following any racing.

“A bylaw that helps the police manage and prevent illegal driving activities in this area might reduce the problems these businesses and residents are facing, but we would need look at the options first to see if a bylaw is the most effective way to go.”

If given the go-ahead by the full Council, staff would first clarify the scale of the illegal driving issue in New Plymouth District by identifying any other areas that have a problem that needs addressing.

Staff would also investigate whether a bylaw, education, provision of facilities or the referral of the issue to another agency – or mix of these– would be the best approach to take.

In the last year the Council assisted the formation of the Taranaki Recreational Motorsport Incorporated Society. The society organises car events at the Ferndene Race Track, which have attracted up to 600 people each time.

Currently the councils in Manukau, Tauranga and Christchurch have bylaws that restrict vehicles that weigh under 3,500kg on any road defined in their bylaw, except if the vehicle is making a “purposeful visit” to a property on the road.

ENDS

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