Camera Trailer Trial targeting hoons

• More than $6 million was committed to support new initiatives to target hooning including anti-hooning camera trailers
• Anti-hooning camera trailers fitted with high quality camera technology and automatic numberplate recognition technology to detect stolen vehicles and have been procured for deployment in targeted trial areas of Logan, Moreton and Townsville Police Districts
• Trial is complemented by the most comprehensive anti-hoon laws in the nation, which include owner-onus/driver deeming laws

Anti-hooning camera trailers will be used as part of a trial police program targeting dangerous hooning behaviour in our communities. 

The $6 million anti-hooning project includes the trial of dedicated anti-hooning camera trailers in Logan, Moreton and Townsville Police Districts.

The camera trailers will be equipped with high quality camera technology to record and capture hooning behaviour in real time.

The trailers will also be fitted with automatic numberplate recognition technology to detect stolen vehicles.

The three trailers will initially be rolled out as part of a trial with more to be built, pending the outcome of an evaluation.

Queensland now has a comprehensive suite of laws targeting hoon drivers, including impoundment or forfeiture of motor vehicles and deeming legislation, which puts the onus on the owner of a vehicle caught hooning to prove they weren’t the driver.

Quotes attributable to Treasurer and Member for Woodridge Cameron Dick:

“Every single person taking part in dangerous and damaging hooning events must be held accountable,” he said.  

“The community will never accept our local streets being turned into racetracks and people’s lives being put at risk.

“That is why our government has introduced the strongest hooning laws in the country.

“We are supporting our police with the resources they need to continue cracking down on hoons.

“This funding will go towards a trial of dedicated anti-hooning camera trailers specific to Logan, Moreton and Townsville.”

Quotes attributable to Police Minister Mark Ryan:

“Dangerous driving and hooning-related behaviour not only endangers the lives of those behind the wheel, but they also put innocent members of the public at risk.

“Our message to anyone taking part in high-risk activities on our roads is that police will continue to target you, investigate your dangerous antics and take action against you.

“The majority of Queenslanders understand the importance of road safety, they observe the rules and are sick and tired of this kind of behaviour on our roads.”

Quotes attributable to Acting Assistant Commissioner Chris Stream:

“The anti-hoon trailers are one of several overt and covert strategies police across the state are employing to target hooning and in particular large-scale hooning events.

“Police will continue to conduct a variety of intelligence-driven enforcement patrols while also undertaking operations using the high-definition camera trailers.

“We encourage members of the community to continue working with police and report hooning activating either on our website or by calling 13 HOON.” 

Fast facts:

• The cameras capture reckless hooning behaviour for police to use as evidence in court and assist in identifying all parties involved.
• The new camera trailers compliment Queensland’s tough hooning legislation which includes the strongest penalties in the nation.
• The new cameras are an addition to the existing network of thousands of traffic cameras already in operation.
• Driving in a way that makes unnecessary noise or smoke carries a maximum fine of $2,875 while the most serious offences, such as careless driving or driving without due care and attention—or street racing, maximum fine of $5,750 or 6 months in jail.
• In addition, drivers risk impoundment or forfeiture of their motor vehicle.

ENDS

Media contact:
Geoff Breusch (Treasurer's Office) - 0417 272 875

Phil Willmington (Minister Ryan's Office) - 0411 535 180