-
Illegal boy racing on the streets of New Zealand - Source: ONE News -
Related
The Government's boy racer bills passed their first readings in Parliament on Tuesday with MPs saying they are determined to bring an end to intimidation, thuggery and blatant disregard for the law.
Both bills, announced with fanfare last month, strengthen the laws around illegal street racing and give the police greater powers to deal with it.
Transport Minister Steven Joyce's Land Transport (Enforcement Powers) Amendment Bill allows by-laws to be made to stop noisy cars cruising and gives police authority to take them off the streets for instant metered tests.
Demerit points for street racing offences have been significantly increased and loopholes are being closed which have allowed boy racers to get away with ignoring fines.
"This legislation is about putting a stop to the anti-social behaviour which can sometimes lead to pack mentality and thuggish behaviour," Joyce said.
"For far too long the residents of our cities and towns have been subject to excessive noise, danger, and in some cases intimidation."
Police Minister Judith Collins introduced the Vehicle Confiscation and Seizure Bill, which gives the courts the power to send cars owned by repeat offenders to the crusher.
"New Zealanders have had enough," she said.
"The relentless noise and disruption calls for a strong and comprehensive response."
Collins said crushing is a last resort but the bill also gives authorities the power to confiscate a car and sell it to meet unpaid fines.
Most MPs who spoke during the debates on the bills agreed it is time to get tough with boy racers although not all of them thought the legislation is going to work.
Labour's law and order spokesman, Clayton Cosgrove, said he introduced stronger offences when he was in government in 2002 which gave courts the power to confiscate cars on the first offence.
"Sadly, our judiciary choose to only use that power in 2% of cases," he said.
"I invite the minister (Ms Collins) to look closely at her rhetoric and reflect on making promises she can't deliver on."
The first bill was passed on a voice vote but the Greens opposed the second, saying it would not be effective.
"It's a waste of time, it sounds good, does nothing, and it won't deal with the problem at all," said co-leader Metiria Turei.
Both bills have been sent to the transport select committee for public submissions.
