The Government is stepping up its efforts to tackle anti-social driving, including boy racers and fleeing drivers, with new tougher penalties.

Transport Minister Chris Bishop and Police Minister Mark Mitchell announced the proposed measures, which include vehicle forfeiture or destruction for repeat offenders, and stricter fines for noise and illegal vehicle gatherings.

For Hibiscus Coast residents, these measures could have a significant impact on reducing dangerous driving behaviour seen in some local hotspots.

Police are increasingly dealing with anti-social driving events, particularly on rural roads and in more remote areas of the Coast, where street racing and noisy vehicle gatherings are becoming more common.

With these tougher penalties, authorities will be better equipped to curb these behaviours and create safer conditions for our local communities.

Key highlights of the plan include:

• Stronger penalties for those who flee from police, engage in street racing, or participate in intimidating convoys, including mandatory vehicle destruction or forfeiture.
• More powers for the police to manage illegal gatherings, such as closing off roads or public areas and issuing fines.
• Noise fines for making excessive noise from a vehicle will increase, from $50 to $300.

The new laws, set to be introduced in mid-2025, will make it clear that there will be serious consequences for reckless and dangerous driving behaviours.

Bishop and Mitchell say Kiwis are fed up with the danger and disruption caused by these drivers, and it’s time to take decisive action.

This comes as police have reported an increase in such anti-social driving behaviours, with many offenders showing no regard for the safety of others.

The measures aim to ensure that those who put others at risk face consequences that will deter future offences.

The Government has committed to stronger action to protect communities, with the new penalties sending a clear message to boy racers and fleeing drivers across the country, including those causing trouble on the Hibiscus Coast.

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