South Australia steps up “hoon” laws
South Australia's hoon laws are set to be upgraded with the announcement today that new dangerous driving laws will be in place by the end of the year.
The changes to the state's already strict laws were announced today by Police Minister Michael Wright and Road Safety Minister Michael O'Brien and are aimed squarely at illegal street racing and young, male drivers.
"These drivers are a menace," Mr O'Brien said. "They threaten the lives of every other road user when they put their foot to the floor. They endanger their own lives as well as their passengers."
A committee will be formed by the pair that will include Police chief superintendent Paul Schramm, and representatives of the Attorney-General, the Department of Transport, Energy and Infrastructure and Road Safety.
This group will look at moving illegal street racing to a dangerous driving offence (an offence which will attract a higher penalty), the sale and/or crushing of impounded cars, impounding and clamping cars until court proceedings are finalised, and the introduction of even higher penalties for drivers caught speeding by more than 45km/h.
The group is expected to issue a preliminary report within the next eight weeks and a final report four weeks later. Legislation will then be passed by the year's end.
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