Clayton Cosgrove Media Statement

Member of Parliament for Waimakariri
17 October 2001

Cosgrove meets Forum on Christchurch Hoons Problem

Waimakariri Member of Parliament Clayton Cosgrove today attended a meeting convened by the Christchurch City Council to address the problem of illegal drag racing and burnouts in Sydenham and greater Christchurch.

The forum included local councillors, senior police, local business people, together with youth workers and community leaders.

Mr Cosgrove was invited to address the meeting and present his Member’s Bill which is titled the Land Transport (Street and Illegal Drag Racing) Amendment Bill. It was inspired by successful New South Wales legislation to combat the problem of illegal street and drag racing and the practice of performing wheel spins (burn outs) and other dangerous stunts on public roads.

The Bill will amend the Land Transport Act 1998 and will empower Police to impound a first offenders vehicle at the road side for 28 days. On conviction the Court may impose a fine of up to a maximum of $4,500 together with disqualifying the drivers licence for 6 months or more. For a second or subsequent offence the Bill will empower the Police to again impound the offenders car at the road side and on conviction the Court may confiscate and sell the offenders motor vehicle together with disqualifying the drivers licence for one year or more and imposing a fine of up to a maximum of $6,000.

“The Forum unanimously endorsed the need for my Bill. They also agreed that Members of Parliament from all political parties would be written to and urged to support it. I am delighted about this, because what we have here is not a political issue. This is an issue about public safety and potentially about saving lives,”

“The forum also considered the adoption of other measures able to be implemented by the City Council within their limited powers,” Mr Cosgrove said.

Mr Cosgrove’s bill is to go into the Parliamentary Ballot .

“I am currently seeking the support of other Members of Parliament to attempt to get this badly needed legislation through the system.”

“Tragically, people have already died because of this irresponsible and dangerous behaviour. A few months ago I predicted that this could lead to the loss of lives. It is an utter tragedy that in recent days I have been proved right. I am certainly not against having fun, but by joining a legitimate car and drag racing club, it is possible to engage in this activity in a safe and regulated environment where you don’t end up killing or injuring yourself or somebody else,” Mr Cosgrove said.

ENDS

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