MEDIA RELEASE

10 October 2002

Bill to control boy racers

Auckland City Council is hopeful that the Government will heed its strong plea for new legislation to control boy racers.

Law and Order Committee chair Noelene Raffills has made both oral and written submissions to the parliamentary committee, which is now considering the Land Transport (Street and Illegal Drag Racing) Amendment Bill 2002.

The increasing number of high powered and illegally modified cars, which are regularly congregating on Auckland’s streets, has been an ongoing issue for the city.

Although the police response to council’s requests for stricter controls on boy racers has put an end to the worst aspects of illegal street racing, the parading of cars in Queen Street remains a major issue.

“This deliberate slow driving, accompanied by loud music and yelling, is causing major traffic hazards as well as intimidating other drivers and pedestrians in the area,” says Councillor Raffills.

Auckland City is confident the new Bill will give the police the power and resources they need to stamp out the problem. Provisions in the Bill will make it an offence to promote or take part in street racing.

Similar legislation adopted five years ago in Australia has successfully curbed street racing on the streets of New South Wales.

ENDS

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