Anti-social driving prompts Waipā to amend bylaw

An increase in anti-social boy racers in Waipā has prompted the Council to amend the Waipā District Public Places Bylaw 2018 to assist Police to stamp out ongoing issues.

During the Strategic Planning and Policy Committee meeting on 1 March, Councillors agreed to start the process of amending the bylaw in response to a growing issue in the community. The process will include a consultation period for residents to provide their feedback on the bylaw change.

The Te Awamutu Community Board has previously raised the increasing problem of reckless racers in the district, with concern that the behaviour is dangerous for the participants and other road users, and can result in property damage, plus litter and debris left on the side of the road.

Council’s Transportation Manager, Bryan Hudson said Waipā has seen a 65 per cent increase in illegal street racing and burn-out activity reported to the police over the past year, with an annual peak in May, followed by a lower peak August to September.

The new changes to the bylaw will enable police to have more control and authority over illegal boy racers.

“There has been numerous complaints from local residents due to the noise nuisance and whom feel intimidated by the large gatherings of drivers and their spectators.”

“Most of the illegal street racing is being reported on our country roads and is making our rural residents feel unsafe.”

The most common issue reported to Council was property damage – especially rubber left on the road. Other repeated mentions were: litter and debris; noise; and the safety of road users.

Council staff and elected members are hoping that the changes to the bylaw will also reduce the vandalism caused by drivers doing burnouts and drifts on the districts reserves and landings.

It is an offence for drivers to undertake unauthorised street or drag racing, burnouts, skids, drifting and donuts.

NZ Police recorded 620 reports of antisocial driving in Waipā in the last two years – 234 in 2020 and 386 in 2021. This volume of reports in Waipā is part of a wider trend that has seen an increase in anti-social driving throughout Waikato.