Police issued 13 car owners with defect notices during an operation targeting hoon drivers in Thomastown on Thursday, May 4.
Police were supported by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and the Sheriff’s Office in conducting a series of defect inspections as part of Operation Achilles.
Fifty people allegedly associated with recent hoon activity in the area were instructed to present their vehicle for roadworthy inspection, with 30 cars attending.
Police issued 13 defect notices for mechanical faults, engine modifications, window tinting and tyre issues. Eight of those who received defect notices also received infringement notices for more serious defects and other traffic related offences.
A suspended driver who attended the defect inspection will also be charged on summons to appear at court at a later date. His car was impounded by police.
The EPA issued five fines to people for cars that exceeded noise limits, and the Sheriff’s Office seized a car as a result of over $20,000 in outstanding fines.
Every defect notice issued will require owners to have these defects in their vehicles either repaired or replaced. Once they have fixed the defect, the drivers need to present their vehicles to VicRoads for clearance. If the owner fails to obtain a clearance within four weeks, the registration of the vehicle may be suspended.
The remaining car owners who did not attend have either arranged to meet with police at another time or will have their registrations suspended.
Achilles Taskforce Acting Senior Sergeant Sean Foley said that defect inspection operations are an integral tool available to police to take dangerous vehicles off the roads.
“The margin for error at a hoon event is minute, let alone if dangerous burnouts and skids are being performed in a car with defects,” he said.
“Our focus on stamping out these events will not stop – the minute you cross the line and engage in hoon activity, you won’t be able to hide from police.”
In the first two years of Operation Achilles, police charged 363 hoon drivers with 2,931 offences. 375 vehicles connected to hooning were also seized, while almost 791 unroadworthy notices were issued.
Anyone with information about illegal hoon activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
