The state of the roundabout at the Pakenham and Gembrook Road intersection after hoon drivers struck. 68915
By Danielle Galvin
HOONS in Upper Pakenham are leaving unsightly tyre marks on the Pakenham and Gembrook road roundabout, and police and residents are fed up.
In recent weeks, three Pakenham men have had their cars impounded under hoon legislation.
A 24-year-old motorcyclist from Pakenham was caught speeding at 130km/h in a 80km/h zone on Army Road in Upper Pakenham on Thursday 11 August.
The motorcycle had false number plates and was unregistered.
It has since been seized for 30 days, and the man will appear in the Dandenong Court at a later date.
“We are aware of hooning in the area, and it’s something we’re focusing on,” said Senior Sergeant Graham Higginbotham.
On the Pakenham-Berwick Gazette Facebook page, residents called for drastic measures.
“I wish they would put rocks or something there to stop it. It looks awful and is done on a regular basis,” Joanne Arrowsmith said.
Another comment from one resident said she didn’t see the hooning, but noticed the state the roundabout was left in.
“I live on Ahern Road, and it’s a bloody joke,” said Drew Mcowan.
In two separate incidents, two Pakenham males have had their cars impounded for excessive speed in recent weeks.
Both were nabbed on speed cameras, one in Dandenong and the other in Hallam.
Their cars were seized and impounded for 30 days.
“They will have to pay substantial fees to get their cars back,” Sen Sgt Graham Higginbotham said.
He said Cardinia police are targeting hoon drivers in the area.
“We are focusing on excessive speeding and dangerous driving.”
But some comments on the Gazette Facebook page called for an outlet for rev-heads.
“Well, if they had somewhere to go, they would not need to do it on the streets but the only place is at Calder Park, and that is only twice a week they need some where closer to home,” said Gary Dehaas.
Another resident, Serdar Bayraktar, agreed with calls for a controlled raceway.
“I agree with Gary as well give them a little spot to go loose (under control that is) so they stop this hooning around.”
Traffic Operations engineer from VicRoads, Rahayu Oetomo, said in a letter to one concerned Upper Pakenham resident that it was in the hands of police.
“The issue of hoons or delinquents is an enforcement matter for Victoria Police.”
