Boy racers taking part in illegal street racing and antisocial behaviour stand to lose what matters most - their licence and cars, under new laws enacted today.
The laws will effectively give police, courts and local authorities increased powers to crack down on illegal street racing.
Southern District road policing manager Inspector Andrew Burns said any move which resulted in repeat offenders losing their licence and cars, rather than accruing fines, "would assist with road safety".
"This is not the silver bullet, but it is a step in the right direction."
An important aspect of the law changes, which came into force today, would see demerit points increased but fines decreased, he said.
The changes moved the onus on drivers away from fines and towards taking their licence or vehicle - a significant deterrent for would-be offenders.
"It will make them more accountable," he said.
Insp Burns said younger drivers, particularly 15- to 19-year-olds, were over represented in crash statistics, and while it was traditionally viewed as a male problem an increasing number of females were also represented.
Under the changes, local authorities would have the ability to create bylaws to prevent vehicles from "cruising" around city streets.
While the Southern District did not have the same problems with illegal street racing as Christchurch or Hamilton, areas such as Alexandra, Invercargill and Dunedin did have intermittent problems.
"We have some issues, and it will be interesting to see how these changes work."
Invercargill acting mayor Neil Boniface said illegal street racing in the city had been "quiet" following a car accident in July in which three teenagers died.
Any move which gave local authorities more power to deal with illegal street racing, a source of annoyance for many residents, would be positive, he said.
Transport Minister Steven Joyce said while the previous law allowed for vehicles to be confiscated, the actual rate was less than 2%, and the new laws would close any loopholes.
"Targeting the things we think offenders value the most - their licence and their car - is expected to be a much more effective deterrent than fines, which have often gone unpaid in the past," he said.
Police Minister Judith Collins said the message from the Government to illegal street racers was "that their behaviour will no longer be tolerated".
Police would be paying particular attention to public disorder, excessive noise and dangerous behaviour on the road, she said.
The new laws
Land Transport (Enforcement Powers) Amendment Act
• Allows local authorities to create bylaws preventing vehicles repeatedly cruising areas.
• Allows compulsory impoundment of vehicles involved in illegal street racing.
• Introduces demerit points for noise offences, licence breaches, registration plate offences.
• Repeat offenders lose licence, rather than accruing fines.
Sentencing (Vehicle Confiscation) Amendment Act
• Allows vehicles to be seized and destroyed for illegal street racing.
• Allows vehicles used repeatedly by people with overdue traffic fines to be seized and sold to pay fines.
