Police have charged two people, confiscated one vehicle, and clamped another following two separate hooning incidents in New Norfolk.
Shortly after midnight on Saturday police detected a white Toyota Hilux doing “burn outs” on the corner of Backriver Road and Hamilton Road, New Norfolk.
After police attempted to intercept the vehicle, the driver drove toward the officer’s car, colliding with it before leaving the scene.
The driver, a 24-year-old man, was identified the following day and charged with evading police and driving offences. His vehicle has been confiscated for three months and he will appear in court at a later date.
Inspector Philippa Burk said it was fortunate the police officer was not physically injured, though they were understandably shaken by the incident.
“This behaviour is extremely disappointing, particularly because our officers are patrolling our roads to keep everyone else in our community safe,” she said.
In an unrelated incident on Saturday night, police intercepted another vehicle after it was detected hooning on High Street, New Norfolk about 11pm.
The driver (a 41-year-old Central Highlands man) was charged with drink driving and other driving offences after returning a breath analysis reading of 0.132%. His vehicle has been clamped and he will appear in court at a later date.
“We are constantly urging drivers to be safe on the roads and obey the rules and we know most New Norfolk residents are quite simply sick of this dangerous hooning behaviour,” Inspector Burk said.
“Incidents like these can easily have devastating consequences, and I’m astounded by these drivers and their blatant disregard for other people’s safety and the law.”
“I’m asking all community members to help us put a stop to this behaviour – report it to police immediately and let’s work together to help keep our roads safe.”
“This is important every day but is further highlighted during ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Road Safety Week.”
“Enough is enough.”
Dangerous driving behaviour can be reported immediately to police on 131 444, or Triple Zero (000) in an emergency or life-threatening situation.
