The days of boy-racers “cruising” the streets may soon be over.
New legislation being pushed through Parliament under urgency will introduce a number of measures for tackling illegal street racing and the anti-social use of vehicles. These include giving road controlling authorities powers to prohibit “cruising”, impoundment for vehicles involved in illegal street racing offences, and increasing Police powers for dealing with illegally modified vehicles and breaches of the Graduated Driver Licensing System.
Transport Minister Steven Joyce says the new legislation will send a clear message that New Zealanders will not tolerate dangerous and disruptive behaviour on their roads.
“Since becoming Minister I have heard from many New Zealanders who have been intimidated or have had their business or home life disrupted by illegal street racers. There is no doubt that this legislation will be welcomed by the community,” says Joyce.
“This legislation will assist this work by giving Police and Courts greater powers to stop the extremes of dangerous and anti-social behaviour shown by some road users.”
The provisions in the Enforcement Powers Bill complement measures in the Vehicle Confiscation and Seizure Bill which is being progressed by the Minister of Police. The Enforcement Powers Bill is planned to come into force on 1 December 2009, following Royal Assent.
