By ANEEKA SIMONIS
A DRIVER alleged to have almost cleaned up a pedestrian as he sped from a Pakenham industrial estate in a cloud of smoke has had his licence disqualified.
On Saturday 25 April, CCTV shows a car ripping through the Hogan Court industrial area during business hours.
The driver performed a number of dangerous burn-outs which filled the air with a thick, heavy smoke before making a getaway.
It is believed the commotion attracted a number of concerned people, including kids who were within metres of the allegedly dangerous driver.
CCTV footage shows a man walking toward the out-of-control car which nearly hits him as it makes a hasty exit from Hogan Court in Pakenham at 1.40pm.
Police located the man, impounded his car and issued summons to appear at the Dandenong Magistrates’ Court.
The driver, who was handed a six-month licence disqualification, has also been ordered to pay $600 and complete a safety driving course.
Industrial areas are the worst hit by hooning drivers, according to Cardinia Highway Patrol, which estimate attending a local hoon gathering at least once a month.
Cardinia Shire Council recently updated a number of local laws including regulations around behaviour on roads.
Laws to give police greater powers to disband “hoon” gatherings and disperse onlookers did not make the final cut as part of the newly enforced law despite council carrying out its own investigations into the potential law.
The law which is already in operation in Casey Council has got the support of Cardinia’s Highway Patrol.
Cardinia Council’s manager for Development and Compliance Services Brett Jackson said police support for the proposed law came in too late to be included in the new law which came into effect on Monday 15 June.
“Council is currently finalising the implementation of Local Law 17, and once complete, will be further investigating the potential of introducing a separate Local Law in relation to hoon gatherings,” he said.
Sgt Atkinson cautioned drivers from driving recklessly for their and the community’s safety.
“Even if police are not around, we still have means of tracking you down and prosecuting for this dangerous driving,” he said
Police advise people who witness hoon behaviour to report their registration and vehicle details to police immediately.
