Mayor proposes extending boyracer ban

Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker is prepared to use the executive power he has as Mayor to implement a ban on boy racers on streets and roads where there is a current problem.

"Drastic action is needed when you have residents being terrorised in their homes by unruly groups of boyracers, when there is a serious fire risk in the areas where they are congregating and when through their actions these hoons are putting the safety of other road users, themselves and their spectators at risk," Mr Parker says.

The Mayor will be talking to Christchurch Police and the Ministry of Transport tomorrow morning to determine whether there is sufficient concern by the police for such action and if so, which roads should be included in the ban.

"If needed, I expect to be able to sign the orders by late tomorrow afternoon. I want this ban in place before Christmas," he says.

"While the actions of these hoons is unacceptable at any time of the year, it is particularly so over Christmas. We can't have decent people having their festive season ruined by the boy racers."

Mr Parker says he can implement the ban through the powers he has in the Local Government Act 1974 Schedule 10 Clause 11. This provides that the Council may, subject to such conditions as it sees fit, and after consultation with the Police and Ministry of Transport, close any road or part of a road to any traffic or any specified type of traffic.

"This measure is only short term temporary solution. Central Government must come up with legislation to solve the problem. It is a nationwide problem, not peculiar to Christchurch," Mr Parker says.

ENDS

© Scoop Media