Cosgrove Wins Approval From Labour Caucus For Bill To Crack Down On Hoons

Member of Parliament for Waimakariri, Clayton Cosgrove today had his Member’s Bill approved by the Labour Caucus. Mr Cosgrove’s Bill, the Land Transport (Street and Illegal Drag Racing) Amendment Bill, will now be lodged in the Parliamentary Process.

“I am very pleased that my colleagues have approved this Bill to be placed in the Members Ballot and I plan to take it on the road to brief communities in the areas of New Zealand where illegal drag racing on our roads is a major problem,” Mr Cosgrove said.

The Bill was inspired by successful New South Wales legislation to combat the problem of illegal street and drag racing on public roads. It will amend the Land Transport Act 1998 and will empower Police to impound a first offenders vehicle at the road side for 28 days. On conviction the Court may impose a fine of up to a maximum of $4,500 together with disqualifying the drivers licence for 6 months or more.

For a second or subsequent offence the Bill will empower the Police to again impound the offenders car at the road side, and on conviction the Court may confiscate and sell the offenders motor vehicle together with disqualifying the drivers licence for one year or more and imposing a fine of up to a maximum of $6,000.

“I am not against anyone having fun, but pouring diesel on New Zealand’s roads and burning it up is dangerous and irresponsible. I encourage people who enjoy this activity to join their local legitimate drag racing club where the activity is legal, safe and regulated, Mr Cosgrove said.

“Since announcing my intention to draft this Bill, communities around New Zealand have given me a clear message that they have had enough of people tearing up their public roads, causing major property damage and in some cases assaulting residents. The police need the power to crack down on these activities and this Bill will give them that power.”

The Bill has been endorsed by New Zealand’s top traffic officer, Superintendent Steve Fitzgerald.

Mr Cosgrove is travelling to Hamilton where there is a major problem with Hoons on Thursday 20 August at the invitation of the Mayor, Mr Russ Rimmington, to brief him and community leaders on the Bill. Mr Rimmington has pledged his support for the Bill.

ENDS

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