Driven to distraction by hoons

Hoon drivers are putting the lives of drivers at risk around Phillip Island, say concerned residents.

Meanwhile police say illegal burnout club meets are a growing problem across Bass Coast, including the island.

Acting Senior Sergeant Garth Campbell from Cowes Police said hoon driving had made its way to Bass Coast from Melbourne in recent years.

“There has been a recent increase in hoon activity of late which can be attributed to both an increase in traffic to Bass Coast and more recently illegal club meets arranging burnout meets in the South
Gippsland/Bass Coast areas,” Acting Snr Sgt Campbell said.

He said police on the island “continually conducted patrols of areas of known high hoon activity”, with Bass Coast Highway Patrol. 

Burnout skid marks - as well as revving noise at night - indicate island hot spots include Berrys Beach Road, Back Beach Road near the race track and Ventnor Road, but with tyre marks evident along the Phillip Island Road and even the bridge.

Acting Snr Sgt Campbell said hoon drivers were usually young males aged between 17 – 25 years of age. 

Concerned residents said burnouts marks and tyre rubber “have left local roads looking like a drag strip”. 

Dave, from Cowes, said it was clear hoon driving and its excessive speed was on the increase and he was concerned about taking his teens out on the roads for night driving on their L-plates.

"I think the risk of an accident at one of those intersections is real," Dave said.

"These hoons obviously have no concern for the safety of other road users.

"If there aren't further police patrols I fear a serious accident will occur.

“It’s a common occurrence that seems to be worsening, with the noise of burnouts being heard nightly.”

Dave called on police to step up patrols and arrests.

Acting Snr Sgt Campbell said police rely largely on the public to inform them of hoon activity adding the public can report activity on the Crime Stoppers Hoon Hotline (1800 333 000).

“Hoon drivers pose an enormous risk to the safety of the public and property,” he said. 

“Police have witnessed time and time again where drivers engaging in hoon activities have lost control of their vehicle colliding with stationary objects such as parked cars, trees, or signs and at times onlookers and pedestrians.

“Hoon drivers rely on the perception that they have control of their vehicle, when in reality it takes one error that can end in life changing consequences for both victims and the driver of the vehicle.” 
If a person is found guilty of three hoon-related offences, their vehicle can be permanently forfeited. 

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