Residents rally against hoons
Phelps St residents are rallying community support for a petition against hoon driving.
The petition began two months ago, with more than 400 signatures collected to date.
Petition organiser Trish Carroll said hoon driving incidents had increased dramatically in the past 12 months, causing accidents, damage to private property and disruption.
“Our neighbours aren’t just angry, they’re frightened and too petrified to come out at night,” she said.
“It shouldn’t be like that in a community.
“If it continues it will only be a matter of time before someone is killed.”
Ms Carroll would like to discuss solutions with relevant parties, including the City of Greater Geraldton, Main Roads and WA Police.
“It’s not just up to the police — they are busy and sure, they are around, but they need help,” she said.
“We’d like to have a discussion with people about possible road, traffic and law changes, or even alternatives for hoons, to be able to drive at speed in a controlled environment.
"This is an issue that affects not just us, but everybody, and something needs to happen.”
Officer in charge at Geraldton Police Station, Senior Sergeant Martin Haime said anti-social behaviour was a target area.
He said police were happy to collaborate with relevant parties and implement a range of measures to address the issue, including increased patrols.
Snr Sgt Haime said information from the public was the key and encouraged people to report specific details of incidents when possible, including times, themes, vehicle and driver descriptions.
Hoon legislation empowers police to impound vehicles driven at very high speed or in a manner considered highly dangerous or anti-social.
To report dangerous, reckless or anti-social driving behaviour call WA Police on 131 444.
Ms Carroll said her message to hoon drivers was: “Slow down and don’t just think about yourself, think about others”.
Petitions can be found at Video Ezy, North West Coastal Hwy and Supa IGA Wonthella, Fifth St.
Call Trish Carroll on 0447 847 421, Donna Sanderson on 0417 966 577 or find “Put a stop to hoons on Phelps St” on facebook.
