Last night, the Andrews Labor Government voted down the Victorian Liberal Nationals’ amendment to the Road Safety and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019, which has stopped tough new laws to crack down on hoon and dangerous drivers.
This amendment would have expanded the conditions under which Victoria Police can immediately suspend a driver’s licence or learners permit to include those charged with offences relating to:
Organising or participating in a street race
Deliberate driving causing skidding or loss of traction
Learner or provisional licence holders speeding in excess of 30 km/h over the speed limit
Learner licence holders driving without supervision.
Victoria will now continue to lag behind New South Wales on road safety, where Police use these powers to ensure hoon and dangerous drivers can be kept off the road from the moment they are caught offending.
With independent Victorian Crime Statistic Agency data showing a 166 per cent increase in dangerous driving offences under Daniel Andrews – Labor’s decision today has placed the safety of the community at greater risk.
Comments attributable to Shadow Minister for Police, David Southwick:
“Daniel Andrews has turned his back on the safety of all Victorians by voting down additional anti-hoon police powers.
“With Victoria’s road toll rising by a tragic 55 lives last year, this is a clear backwards step and places the safety of the community at heighted risk.”