Hard line taken on impounding vehicles

Christchurch Police have impounded 80 vehicles and made 95 prosecutions in response to complaints about anti-social driving behaviour in the past six months.

Acting road policing manager Senior Sergeant Glenn Nalder says since the introduction of the cruising bylaw in Christchurch on 1 July, Police have been taking a hard line in responding to complaints.

"We're very aware of public concerns and we're taking steps to get these cars off the road - at least temporarily - and stop offending drivers getting behind the wheel."

Senior Sergeant Nalder says most weekends complaints are received about cars doing donuts or burnouts. "While we may not always be able to respond to a complaint immediately, we definitely follow up and take action.

"Where a vehicle is identified we seek to locate the driver. In most cases we are able to prosecute either for a driving offence, such as sustained loss of traction, or for failing to supply information.

"Vehicles are impounded for 28 days and the owner has to pay to retrieve the car.

"For an offender the loss of their car is a big disincentive - and we're sending a clear signal to these drivers."

There are some cases where a vehicle will not be impounded, such as where a vehicle has been stolen.

"We encourage people to report any incidents of vehicles doing burnouts, donuts or other unwanted driving behaviour. We will not hesitate to follow up and take action. "

Senior Sergeant Nalder says statistics indicate there has not been a relocation of anti-social road use problems from the city to the suburbs. Since the introduction of the cruising bylaw, complaints have decreased significantly throughout the city.

ENDS

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