A FOURTH Warrnambool district motorist has had his car impounded for a month after being caught driving while disqualified early yesterday.
Warrnambool police Sergeant Sean Halley said it was the fourth vehicle seized in the past two weeks under new impoundment laws targeting repeat offenders.
The 33-year-old disqualified driver had his car confiscated after being randomly intercepted on the Princes Highway at Allansford about 6.30am yesterday.
“We’re actively enforcing these new laws and it was the fourth vehicle seized in a fortnight,” Sergeant Halley said.
Offenders have to pay $765 for the return of their vehicles, a fee made up of towing, storage, administration, Victoria Police and state government fees.
Previously police have had the power to seize hoon drivers’ vehicles, but that has now been extended to a range of repeat driving offenders.
Offences which can trigger the new powers include:
n drivers who repeatedly drive while disqualified or suspended;
n repeat unlicensed drivers;
n drivers who repeatedly drink-drive with readings in excess of .10;
n drivers who travel at 45km/h above the speed limit;
n drivers who refuse to stop when directed to do so by police; and
n drivers of overloaded vehicles.
Sergeant Halley said the new laws were aimed at making the roads safer for all drivers by removing repeat offenders.
“Vehicles can be seized on the spot or drivers can be given a notice to surrender their vehicles by a deadline,” he said.
“These laws are designed to curtail drivers who thumb their nose at the law.
“Those drivers who have lost their privilege to drive and repeatedly offend can now have their vehicles seized.
“By seizing the vehicles we are making the roads safer for all motorists.”
athomson@fairfaxmedia.com.au
