Crackdown On Souped-up Cars

Sun Herald

Sunday April 30, 2006

By KIM CHRISTIAN

TEENAGE P-plate drivers have been targeted in a police blitz on modified cars at Leichhardt.

Police charged nine drivers with driving on a suspended or disqualified licence, or giving a false name, during a crackdown on Friday night and early yesterday.

High-visibility police operations are expected to continue around Norton Street in the lead-up to June's World Cup, as the famed restaurant strip is a magnet for the city's football fans.

Sergeant Bob Howard of the Leichhardt Highway Patrol said officers had "targeted vehicles that are modified and don't comply to Australian road rules".

Police stopped 51 cars and issued drivers with 140 defect notices and 75 traffic infringements.

One driver had his licence suspended and received a $1500 fine for driving at 113kmh in a 60kmh zone.

Sergeant Howard said the operation was designed to quell a recent increase in "anti-social behaviour" in the area, particularly Norton Street.

About 12.30am yesterday, police stopped a 17-year-old P-plater from Fairfield on Parramatta Road. He was ordered not to drive his 1982 Holden Gemini, which had a modified turbo engine.

"To get all the engineering certificates and fix the clearance it's going to cost about $2500," the apprentice metal fabricator said.

Leichhardt Local Area Commander Superintendent Wayne Cox said yesterday: "Last night's operation was phase two of an ongoing campaign by police to make the roads around Leichhardt, Balmain and Glebe safer for all, as well as allowing restaurant patrons to enjoy the area."

© 2006 Sun Herald

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