First big auction for impounded vehicles

Police have seized so many vehicles from repeat offenders in the Ipswich District that they’re holding Queensland’s first big auction of impounded vehicles.

Police Minister Judy Spence said: “Up to 36 vehicles taken from repeat offenders will be auctioned at three separate venues on August 11.

“To be honest most of these vehicles are not worth much, ranging from $50 to $1500.

“Police estimate the auction will only bring in between $5,000 to $10,000.

“What this does show is that our new impoundment laws, which went state wide on 1 July, are punishing people who flout the law.

“Many of these vehicles are uninsured and unregistered and are being driven by unlicensed or disqualified drivers.

“That is a dangerous combination and our roads are made safer by impounding these vehicles,” Ms Spence said.

The Type 2 hoon 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.

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.

Ms Spence said: “Offenders have to pay the towing and holding fees and many are forfeiting their vehicles to the State rather than paying up.

“The vehicles are being sold ‘as is’. The plates have been removed and the onus will be on the buyers to get road worthy certificates and register the vehicles,” Ms Spence said.

Inspector Kevin Keillor, Ipswich District, said between July 2007 and April 2008 local police seized a total of 276 vehicles from repeat offenders, of which 36 would be auctioned.

Inspector Keillor said: “These laws work on the principle that taking away a motor vehicle makes it difficult for the driver to commit further driving offences. The more times a driver offends, the longer their vehicle may be impounded.

“The vehicles include Holden Commodores, motorbikes, a moped, Ford Laser and Falcons, and a Nissan Skyline”.

The vehicles will be auctioned on Monday August 11 at the following venues:

9am at Trend Towing,10 Shoebury St, Rocklea.

10:30am at Blue Starr, 13 Sonia Crt, Raceview.

12.30pm at Lehmann Motors, 214 Main St, Tarampa.

These vehicles are unable to be viewed prior to auction. Any inquiries regarding these vehicles are to be directed to the Ipswich District Property Point on 3817 1333.

Media: 3239 6218