Police take hard line on boy racers

File photo / Martin Sykes

Christchurch police are taking a hard line on boy racers - impounding 80 vehicles and making 95 prosecutions in the past six months.

Christchurch District Council's bylaw banning cruising on certain roads in the area was introduced on July 1.

"We're very aware of public concerns and we're taking steps to get these cars off the road - at least temporarily - and stop offending drivers getting behind the wheel," acting road policing manager Senior Sergeant Glenn Nalder said.

Most complaints were received about cars doing donuts or burnouts.

"We encourage people to report any incidents of vehicles doing burnouts, donuts or other unwanted driving behaviour. We will not hesitate to follow up and take action."

If a vehicle could be identified, police tried to find the driver and were usually able to prosecute them for a driving offence, such as sustained loss of traction, or for failing to supply information.

Since the introduction of the cruising bylaw, complaints had fallen significantly, he said.

Police impounded cars for 28 days and the owner had to pay to collect the car, he said.

"For an offender the loss of their car is a big disincentive - and we're sending a clear signal to these drivers."

- NZPA