Senior Constable Peta Giles told The Roxby Downs Sun misuse of a motor vehicle, better known as hoon driving, was a problem in Roxby Downs with about 25 cases in 2009.

Snr Cnst Giles said Pioneer Drive, Olympic Way, and the Roxby/Andamooka turn-offs were the hot spots for the dangerous behaviour, but noted it was occurring all over the Roxby Downs area.

“It is a community safety issue and it won’t be long before someone is hurt or injured as a result of hoon driving.

“Unfortunately often innocent bystanders are the victims of thoughtless and/or reckless behaviour.”

Clamping is used to prevent the vehicle from being used for similar and further offences.

Snr Cnst Giles said the practice protected the community by putting the vehicle off the road and “hopefully inconveniences the driver or owner of the vehicle enough to make sure they realise the serious implications their manner of driving can have, not only on themselves but innocent members of the public”.

Vehicles can be seized, sold, and crushed if someone is reported for hoon driving on more than two separate occasions.

Clamping usually occurs at a home address for seven days, however if it is proven there is “undue hardship” then police can decide not to clamp the vehicle.

Hoon drivers can face fines of up to $2500, licence disqualification, vehicle forfeiture, and the magistrate can impose registration suspension.

Snr Cnst Giles encouraged the public to report hoon driving as soon as possible.

“Where possible and only if it is safe to do so, obtain the registration number of the vehicle and report the matter to police immediately – even if the registration number is partial or not obtained.”