Media Statements

Thirty-three vehicles, some impounded by police under anti-hooning laws, are set to go up for auction on the Gold Coast this week, Police Minister Jack Dempsey announced today.

Mr Dempsey said the dangerous driving displayed by the vehicles’ owners was not tolerable.

“Reckless and illegal driving is completely unacceptable and it is clear that drivers are not getting the message,” Mr Dempsey said.

“Late last year, I introduced some of the nation’s toughest anti-hooning laws which will see dangerous drivers face their being car crushed or forfeited if they are caught hooning twice within five years.

“With 54 lives already lost on the roads this year in Queensland, there is no room for irresponsible drivers on our roads.

“Police will continue to be out in force this year enforcing all of the State’s road rules, including the Fatal Five – speeding, drink or drug driving, inattention, not wearing a seat belt and driving tired.”

South Eastern Region Assistant Commissioner Graham Rynders said auctioning of the vehicles seized under the vehicle impoundment legislation clearly demonstrated the commitment to effectively deal with people who continually disobeyed the law.

“The impoundment of motor vehicles is a strategy directed at improving road safety and reducing the road toll,” Assistant Commissioner Rynders said.

“The public auction is part of the vehicle impoundment project, aimed at seizing the vehicles of repeat offenders.

“Vehicles up for auction have either been ordered by a Magistrate to become property of the State, have failed to be collected by their owners or have voluntarily been handed over to the State.”

The vehicles will be auctioned at 10am on Wednesday, (6 March) at Nationwide Towing and Transport, 12 Industrial Avenue, Molendinar.  Inspection of the vehicles is permitted from 8-10am.

[ENDS] 5 March 2013

Media Contacts: Lea Emery 0417 226 114 or Danny Donald 0439 719 116