Proposed legislation that would allow authorities to crush boy racers' cars is a "blunt instrument" that gives no protection for innocent people who might own the vehicles, the Motor Trade Association (MTA) says.
Police Minister Judith Collins' Vehicle Confiscation and Seizure Bill, which gives the courts the power to send cars owned by repeat offenders to the crusher, passed its first reading in Parliament last month.
But the MTA wants the bill to be withdrawn from legislation surrounding boy racers, spokesman Andy Cuming said today.
"We believe that 'confiscate and sell' would better recognise and protect the interests that otherwise innocent parties have in a vehicle," Mr Cuming said.
"As far as the offending owner/drivers are concerned the same end result is achieved - they lose their vehicles.
"If a vehicle were sold instead of crushed, it would in most cases realise value that would contribute to recovery of towage and impounding costs, selling costs, recovery of security interests, and payment of any traffic offence fines."
The MTA had made submissions on that point to the Government, he said.
"Crushing the cars of such offenders may strike a chord in dealing a decisive blow, but when looking to avoid unintended consequences, it's better to act with your head, not your heart," Mr Cuming said.
Along with Ms Collins' bill, was another by Transport Minister Steven Joyce, which would strengthen the laws around illegal street racing and give the police greater powers to deal with it .
The 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.
Both bills have been sent to the transport select committee for public submissions.
