Ballarat Police last week ran an operation targeting high-risk drivers in the CBD area.
Operation Talladega detected a total of 28 irresponsible drivers during the overnight campaign between September 4 and 5.
A 19-year-old male driver was intercepted on Sturt Street allegedly reaching speeds of 108 kilometres per hour in a 60 kilometre zone. When questioned by police, the probationary license holder told officers that he was “keen to get home”, before having his vehicle impounded for 30 days and being issued a fee of $1405.
Another probationary driver also had his vehicle impounded after police observed him allegedly perform a burnout at a car park in Curtis Street. The 18-year-old male was also issued a $1,405 fine.
The two alleged offenders are among four drivers who had their vehicles immediately impounded under hoon legislation. They are expected to be charged with a range of traffic offences and will face Ballarat Magistrates’ court over their alleged behaviour.
A further 18 penalty notices were issued for various offences including speeding, driving through red lights, unlicensed driving and driving while disqualified. Nine defect notices were also issued to drivers whose vehicles did not comply with registration standards, while 19 Environment Protection Authority notices were issued for excessive vehicle noise.
Ballarat Highway Patrol Sergeant Craig Walker says police have zero tolerance for hooning.
“Hooning shows a complete disregard for the safety of not only the driver, but all other road users and pedestrians.”
He says police will continue to run operations like Talladega to remove unsafe drivers and vehicles from the roads.
Anyone who witnesses hoon activity as it is occurring should call Triple Zero, while anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage of intentional high-risk driving should contact Crime Stoppers.
