Camera trailer trial targets hoons

A trial police program aiming to deter dangerous hooning behaviour across the Moreton Bay Region will be among the first in the state.

Launched today, the program uses camera trailers fitted with high quality cameras and automatic numberplate recognition technology to detect stolen vehicles.

Three camera trailers capturing hooning behaviour in real time have been rolled out across the state – in the Moreton, Logan and Townsville police districts – as part of $6 million in State Government initiatives to stamp out hooning.

The trailers will be rolled out as part of a trial, with more to be built, pending the outcome of an evaluation.

Police Minister and Morayfield MP Mark Ryan says dangerous driving and hooning-related behaviour endangers the lives of those behind the wheel and also puts members of the public at risk.

“Our message to anyone taking part in high-risk activities on our roads is that police will continue to target you, investigate your dangerous antics and take action against you,” Mr Ryan says.

“The majority of Queenslanders understand the importance of road safety, they observe the rules and are sick and tired of this kind of behaviour on our roads.”

Range of strategies

Treasurer Cameron Dick says everyone who hoons must be held accountable.

“The community will never accept our local streets being turned into racetracks and people’s lives being put at risk,” Mr Dick says.

“We are supporting our police with the resources they need to continue cracking down on hoons.”

Acting Assistant Police Commissioner Chris Stream says the trailers are among a range of overt and covert strategies police are using to target hooning, and in particular, large-scale hooning events.

“Police will continue to conduct a variety of intelligence-driven enforcement patrols while also undertaking operations using the high-definition camera trailers,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Stream says.

“We encourage members of the community to continue working with police and report hooning activating either on our website or by calling 13 HOON.”

Fast facts:

• The cameras capture reckless hooning behaviour for police to use as evidence in court and to help identify the people involved
• The trailers are an addition to the existing network of thousands of traffic cameras
• Driving in a way that makes unnecessary noise or smoke carries a maximum fine of $2875, while the most serious offences, such as careless driving or driving without due care and attention - or street racing, maximum fine of $5750 or six months in jail
• In addition, drivers risk impoundment or forfeiture of their motor vehicle.