Since our last update, the BCNA and the Port Melbourne Road Safety Group (a group of residents formed to combat hoon driving and other road safety issues) have undertaken research into anti-hoon laws and remediation programs in other states. The research proposes greater use of mobile speed cameras to respond to changing hoon venues, the introduction of acoustic cameras, the strengthening of laws and penalties for some offences, enhancements to existing road safety programs, streamlined reporting of hoon driving and related noise events, and greater publicity around arrests of hoon drivers and confiscation of vehicles.
These proposals have been summarised in letters to our local state member, The Hon Martin Foley MP, and the Minister for Roads and Road Safety, The Hon Ben Carroll MP. These letters, such as the one to Minister Carroll, have emphasised the impact on mental health and well-being of the instances of hoon driving and excessive vehicular noise. We are also pleased to observe the continued police focus on noise and hoon driving, as reported by Victoria Police’s Inspector Helen Chugg's Eyewatch report for the Port Phillip Police Service Area.
In a further development, the Port Melbourne Road Safety Group has been asked to add hoon jet skis to its agenda. Preliminary discussions have been held with Lifesaving Victoria and a related article on this issue is below.