Lives are being put at risk as the number of speeding and burn-out incidents in Maitland’s western suburbs increases according to West Ward councillor Henry Meskauskas.
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Cr Meskauskas has been vocal in the past about the problem but believes the situation is reaching crisis point with almost 50 motorists booked over a recent four-week period and the number of calls and complaints he receives about dangerous driving, on the increase.
Cr Meskauskas spoke out just days after Fairfax Media reported on a similar problem in Greta where residents have been left frustrated and fearful over the lack of police action to curb hooning behaviour in and around Greta Central Park.
According to a group of residents, the problem of high-speeds, burnouts and dangerous driving on the park grounds and neighbouring streets had been a problem for years.
All I can say is these hoons must have plenty of money for new tyres and to pay their fines
- Cr Henry Meskauskas.
Hunter Valley Police District Commander, Acting Superintendent Chad Gillies said hoons in and around the Greta area have been put on notice with police warning that antisocial behaviour and dangerous driving will not be tolerated.
Cr Meskasukas said there are about 12 streets in the Rutherford and Aberglasslyn area that are burn out hot spots. “We’re not just talking one or two streets,” he said. “We’re talking about 10 or 12 and it’s happening every day and getting worse.”
He has raised the matter at Neighbourhood Watch meetings, with Maitland City Council’s traffic committee and local police.
A Rutherford Neighbourhood Watch police report said police made 48 bookings for burnout and speeding matters in the Rutherford/Aberglasslyn area between September 16 to October 15.
Cr Meskauskas said Budgeree Drive, Weblands Street, Second and Fourth avenues in Rutherford were areas of concern.
“All I can say is these hoons must have plenty of money for new tyres and to pay their fines,” Cr Meskauskas said.
“Every week I get complaints.
“People need to get number plates and take a photograph and send to police. What concerns me is that these offences are also being committed outside schools,” he said.
