Hoon car auction raises $24,000

Police Minister Judy Spence said today's first big auctions of impounded vehicles were a great success - raising $24,000 which exceeded expectations.

Ms Spence said: “Thirty-four vehicles, seized from repeat offenders in the Ipswich area, went under the hammer at three separate venues.

“The most paid for a vehicle was $3,200 for a Honda CBR 900cc motorbike.

“At the other end of the scale, the lowest price paid for a car was just $300 for an early 80's Mazda 323 station wagon with a shattered windscreen and severe damage to the roof, bonnet and doors.

“Police had thought the vehicles would bring in between $5,000 to $10,000 so the auctions raised more than twice the best estimate.

“The money will go towards paying the towing and holding costs for the 34 vehicles, which exceeds $24,000.

“Towing companies have indicated they will take legal action to recoup outstanding fees from repeat offenders.

“These vehicles were impounded after the drivers were caught under new impoundment laws which went statewide in July,” 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.

Ms Spence said: “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.

“Most of the vehicles sold today were impounded for 48 hours but the owners did not bother to pay the towing and holding fees and collect them.

“If vehicles are not collected after 30 days then police can arrange to sell them.

“Repeat offenders are starting to learn that flouting the law is a costly exercise,” Ms Spence said.

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