Spence: First car confiscated within hours of laws going state wide

Police Minister Judy Spence said the first car was impounded today within hours of laws targeting repeat offenders going state-wide.

Ms Spence said: ”The laws were trialled in three police regions (Southern, North Coast, and South Eastern) with nearly 1500 cars impounded.

“From today the laws apply to the rest of Queensland and a 41-year-old man is already paying the price.

“At about 8.30 this morning he was intercepted in Kallangur and charged with unlicensed driving.

“This driver had previously been charged with unlicensed driving by Logan Police on the 11^th March 2008.

“Therefore, his 1990 Holden Commodore was impounded for 48 hours under the new laws and taken to a holding yard in Virginia.

“Aside from the penalties he faces for unlicensed driving he must pay the towing and holding charges of more than $260 to retrieve his vehicle.

“This should serve as a warning …we are serious about cracking down on repeat offenders.

“You will be caught .. you will have your vehicle impounded,” Ms Spence said.

The Type 2 impoundment laws target repeat offenders who are charged with multiple offences in one of 5 categories:

• Driving an unregistered and uninsured motor vehicle
• Driving whilst unlicensed or disqualified
• Drink driving over 0.15%
• Failing to supply a specimen of breath or blood, or driving under 24 hour suspension
• Driving an illegally modified vehicle.

Repeat offenders can lose their vehicle for 48 hours for the first repeat offence, up to three months for a second repeat offence, or permanently for a third repeat offence.

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