Banned hoons keep on driving

HUNDREDS of Ipswich hoons are brazenly flouting the law and posing a danger on the roads by getting behind the wheel after they have been banned.

Figures obtained by The Queensland Times reveal Ipswich Magistrates Court sentenced 480 defendants for driving while disqualified last year - and police warn the total could be “the tip of the iceberg”.

RACQ external relations general manager Gary Fites said people who defied driving bans were not getting the message and responsible motorists supported tougher measures.

“Taking their licence away from them doesn't stop them driving,” he said.

“How do you really stop hardcore repeat traffic offenders from getting into a car and driving again when they're under a disqualification?”

Mr Fites said repeat offenders who had their car impounded under anti-hooning laws could find another way to drive if they were desperate.

BUT he said tougher vehicle impoundment measures would be a good start.

Ipswich Traffic Branch Sergeant Paul Nicholas said the number of people being caught for disqualified driving was increasing, partly due to better detection methods.

“It's a continually increasing number,” Sgt Nicholas said.

Sgt Nicholas said many disqualified drivers had a flagrant disregard for the law and repeatedly drove irrespective of court penalties.

“They don't care, that's my opinion,” he said.

Sgt Nicholas said police had run operations outside the court house, which caught disqualified drivers jumping back into their cars just after being sentenced.

Queensland Police Union president Ian Leavers said the number of people sentenced in court could be just the tip of the iceberg but warned people who drove disqualified they would be caught.

“It's not if, it's when you'll be caught - your turn is coming,” he said.

“We've improved technology and possibly with more resources many more would be apprehended.

“What people have to remember is that driving is a privilege and if you can't obey the rules and you totally disregard them, then that privilege will be taken away.”

Mr Leavers said disqualified drivers had not obeyed road rules and were a danger to the community.

“For some reason, whether they're disqualified for drink driving or fines, it's because they've committed offences which are possibly life-endangering,” he said.

Sgt Nicholas said people could have their licence disqualified for offences including drink-driving and driving unlicensed, and disqualified drivers were often a danger on the road.

• What should happen to people who have been caught driving while disqualified? SMS your views to 0407 088 442.