A P-PLATER who fishtailed around the water tower roundabout in Wodonga on Thursday afternoon is the latest person caught by a new form of neighbourhood watch.
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A complaint to police resulted in the man’s car being impounded under the anti-hoon legislation.
The man, 20, won’t get the keys back until tomorrow morning.
Police say the last three cars impounded in Wodonga were the result of community complaints.
Sgt Cameron Roberts, of the Wodonga traffic management unit, said people have had enough of doughnuts, wheelies and lunatic behaviour by young, generally male, drivers.
“We have a real problem with these young men in Wodonga,” he said.
“They flout the law in their cars and generally think they won’t get caught.
“Well now they are finding out that is not the case.”
Sgt Roberts said more than one person has been surprised when police came knocking at their door.
“Under the anti-hoon laws if a person signs a statement we can impound the car,” he said.
“Clearly the fact that these people are prepared to back up their complaint with a statement shows the sentiment in the community is that hoon drivers are no longer tolerated.
“Wodonga is still a small town and if you drive like this someone will see you, whether that be a police member or individual no longer matters.”
The driver of the Ford Falcon at the water tower on Thursday was on the receiving end of a double whammy.
He skidded around the roundabout in front of an off-duty police officer,
Sen-Constable Stewart Smith said his wheel lost traction as he raced around the roundabout and that was enough.
“Once the car loses traction then the driver can be booked for improper use of a motor vehicle and the car impounded,” he said.
“I just happened to be sitting there when he came into the roundabout too hot.
“I took down his registration and later that night he made a full admission about the incident.”
The man will also have to pay an impound fee of $204 to get his car back.
