For immediate release

FACT: Car Crushing Works

21/02/2014

The Sensible Sentencing Trust is pleased with the findings that the illegal street racing offences have reduced by an impressive 49.6% in the past four years since the introduction of a controversial legislation.

“This just goes to show that Hon Judith Collins car crushing legislation alongside tougher penalties have worked,” Ruth Money SST Spokesperson says.

Police Minister Anne Tolley announced that the introduction of the legislation which is aimed at combating boy racer behaviour has directly led to a drop from 2,737 offences in 2009 to 1,380 in 2013. During the same period, road-deaths for 15-24 year olds have fallen from 105 to 66.

“Regardless of what the naysayers like Rethinking Crime and Punishment like to repetitively claim - that this type of deterrent will not work - the figures are finally in,” Money says. “Car crushing and tougher penalties have deterred boy racer behaviour and in the process have saved countless lives on our roads.”

Of the total 10,141 offences since 2009 only 242 offenders are on their second strike, 13 drivers have received three convictions and three cars have been destroyed. Judges have the discretion to grant destruction orders on vehicles.

SST applauds the work of Police, Hon Judith Collins and Hon Anne Tolley for their tireless efforts in keeping our roads safe and our youth alive.

“This type of legislation keeps us all safe and ensures that the next generation of young kiwi men, and women, respect our roads and the laws in place to protect people.”

ENDS

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