MPs accelerate anti-hoon bill

By JOHN ARMSTRONG

Parliament has agreed to fast-track a private member's bill designed to crack down on boy racers, rushing the legislation to a select committee so it can be passed into law before this year's election.

In a rare move, MPs from both sides of the House yesterday agreed that the measure, which aims to curb illegal street racing and deliberate wheel-spins by confiscating vehicles and imposing big fines, should proceed as soon as possible.

The consensus followed a weekend shooting at an unofficial Auckland drag strip - blamed on tensions between boy-racer factions - that left a 25-year-old man with stomach wounds.

Three people aged in their 20s yesterday appeared before Judge A'e'au Semi Epati in the Manukau District Court in connection with the shooting, jointly charged with attempted murder.

The judge initially ruled their names could be published but one of their lawyers indicated they would appeal. He then gave them until 5pm today to lodge the appeal in the High Court.

In the House, only the Greens voted against the legislation going to Parliament's law and order select committee, which will report back to the House in July.

The bill's author, Labour MP Clayton Cosgrove, had intended seeking leave today to get his measure introduced. But it would only have taken one MP to say "no" for the move to be defeated.

Mr Cosgrove's Land Transport (Street and Illegal Drag Racing) Amendment Bill, based on New South Wales law, would then have had to take its chances in the ballot that decides which private member's bills get debated.

But the Opposition National Party yesterday embarrassed the Government by moving the bill be introduced forthwith and be given the higher status of a Government measure. This means it will have the official backing and vital bureaucratic support from Transport Minister Mark Gosche.

Following rapid consultation with all parties in Parliament, the Government, which had little choice, agreed.

The measure bans street and drag races on public roads and intentional wheel spins. It allows police to impound vehicles for up to 28 days.

Anyone caught committing such an offence also faces fines of up to $4500 and disqualification from driving for six months or more.

If there is a second offence, the court may order the confiscation and sale of the offender's vehicle, and further fines.

Owners of impounded vehicles will have rights of appeal.

It will also be an offence to pour petrol, oil or diesel on the road "or any other substance likely to cause loss of traction" by any vehicle.

Feature: Cutting the road toll

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