5. NICKY WAGNER (National) Link to this
to the Minister of Police
What steps is the Government taking to deter illegal street racers?
Hon JUDITH COLLINS (Minister of Police) Link to this
Two comprehensive bills that give police and local authorities greater powers to clamp down on illegal street racers and as a last resort crush their vehicles have been introduced today. The Vehicle Confiscation and Seizure Bill and the Land Transport (Enforcement Powers) Amendment Bill are designed to work in unison to address the problem of illegal street racing in New Zealand.
Hon JUDITH COLLINS Link to this
Yes. Police have welcomed the new bills, which will help close the current loopholes and provide a comprehensive suite of powers for police and local authorities to tackle this issue. Police agree with the Government that when public safety is at risk appropriate law enforcement is required, and reports I have seen suggest that there is political consensus that the existing law needs to be strengthened.
Hon JUDITH COLLINS Link to this
Illegal street racers are currently able to commit an offence in another person’s car and avoid the full force of the law. Illegal street racers have been known to sell their car to a friend for a nominal amount in order to avoid penalties and/or confiscation. Other loopholes include illegal street racers accruing and failing to pay fines, and switching cars in order to avoid being penalised. These bills will help close the loopholes in the existing law.
Hon Darren Hughes Link to this
What guarantee can the Minister give the House that this new legislation will lead to any more boy racers losing their cars than do so currently, considering that although courts can already confiscate on a first offence, this happens in less than 2 percent of cases?
Hon JUDITH COLLINS Link to this
I think that when the member reads the bills he will see that there are very strong provisions; it is very difficult to sell or race a car that has been crushed.