A police drone hovering above a hoon hotspot in Hobart’s northern suburbs has caught nine reckless drivers, with seven having their cars clamped on the spot.
Officers deployed the aerial technology over Derwent Park on Thursday and Friday nights, targeting the industrial Sunmont Street and Bender Drive – areas known for late-night burnouts and dangerous driving.
The surveillance operation captured drivers performing burnouts and other risky manoeuvres, in what police say is becoming an increasing problem for the local community.
Inspector Jason Klug said the behaviour was unacceptable and put lives at risk.
“This area has been the subject of on-going hooning and risk-taking behaviours involving vehicles and this has had a negative impact on the community,” he said.
“Some of the driving behaviour observed by police during this operation was clearly reckless.”
Klug said officers had witnessed vehicles “driven in a public place, with an unnecessary execution of speed of acceleration or a loss of traction”.
Seven drivers were issued court summonses and had their vehicles clamped, while two others received infringement notices.
Police also detected one driver under the influence of illicit drugs.
“This manner of driving will not be tolerated,” Klug said.
“Those engaged in such activities can expect police to utilise their legislative powers to seize vehicles and arrest drivers.”
Over the past four months, 76 vehicles have been taken off the road across southern Tasmania. 48 were confiscated and 28 clamped.
Most have been impounded for nine months or longer, with some confiscated indefinitely.
