The rubber has hit the road for anti-social drivers in rural Waipā.
Signs advising the ban on light motor vehicles on several rural roads are now up, giving police more tools to stamp out anti-social driving in the district.
A register has been created under the Public Places Bylaw, confirming the roads where the light vehicle prohibition is in place. It is an offence for light motor vehicles (weighing less than 3.5 tonne) to be on those roads between 9pm- 4am unless drivers can prove they have legitimate business.
Transport manager Bryan Hudson said now that the signs are in place, police will have powers to issue warning notices and even impound cars of rule-breakers.
Law-abiding motorists won’t be affected.
“Council is not trying to stop legitimate drivers using rural roads,” Hudson said. “But if ‘boy racing’ behaviours such as racing, cruising, burnouts, donuts, and excessive speed and noise are reported, police can now enforce the ban.”
Hudson acknowledged the ban won’t wipe out anti-social driving altogether in Waipā, but it’s an important tool. The roads listed in the new register were identified as popular spots for late-night anti-social driving and were also practical in terms of enforcement.
“A ban is only viable for some types of roads,” he said. “It wouldn’t work in streets with on-street parking, or on roads with multiple entry and exit points which is generally the case on residential streets, or State Highways where the council has no authority.
“We encourage all residents affected by anti-social driving behaviour to keep reporting instances to the police at the time it is happening.,” Hudson said.
Light Motor Vehicle Prohibition webpage
