9. NICKY WAGNER (National) Link to this
to the Minister of Police
Have any recent steps been taken to protect New Zealand communities from the dangerous behaviour of boy racers?
Mr SPEAKERI apologise to the Minister. I say to members of the House that what is going on here is just not reasonable. A member has asked a question, which is her right, and she deserves to hear an answer, as does the House. The members who are carrying on their personal interjections across the House are being totally unreasonable. I invite the Hon Judith Collins to continue her answer, and I apologise for her being interrupted.
Hon JUDITH COLLINS Link to this
Thank you, Mr Speaker. I am pleased to report that on 1 December, two new street racing laws came into effect. These laws have given the police, the courts, and councils new tools to crack down on boy racers. Repeat street racing offenders can now have their cars impounded, seized, sold, or crushed. They can receive demerit points for noise offences. Councils can also bring in by-laws to ban cruising on city streets.
Hon JUDITH COLLINS Link to this
Police have been highly visible over the weekend throughout the country. In Christchurch a special police operation resulted in six cars being impounded, 52 unsafe vehicles being taken off the road, and 80 young drivers called up for breaching licence conditions. These new laws are part of this Government’s focus on making our communities safer for families.
Brendon BurnsCan the Minister tell New Zealanders in electorates like mine, who endure much debilitating boy-racer noise, why the latest two laws do nothing to cut noise exhaust levels, as repeatedly promised by National in Opposition?
Hon JUDITH COLLINS Link to this
The laws relating to noise levels are not part of the Minister of Police’s jurisdiction. I think that that member should put down the question for the appropriate Minister on that particular issue.
What other steps have taken place to protect communities in the Christchurch areas that have been particularly plagued by boy racers?
Hon JUDITH COLLINS Link to this
I am delighted to report that the new Canterbury police antisocial road user team has achieved outstanding results in its first 3 months of operation. It has impounded 48 vehicles, made 33 arrests, suspended 30 licences, issued 185 non-operation orders, prosecuted 25 drink-drivers, and attended 12 vehicle crashes. In addition, it has issued more than 2,200 infringement and offence notices in just 3 months.
I seek leave to table a page from a National Party election pamphlet in which big-bore campaigners Nick Smith and Nicky Wagner pledge tough new vehicle noise laws.