By Alesha Capone and Charlene Macaulay
Wyndham council has not ruled out introducing a fine for people who attend hoon meetings, after Brimbank council implemented harsh penalties for those who watch illegal ‘skid’ events.
Last month, Brimbank introduced a clause into its local laws to allow council officers to fine anyone “participating in, encouraging or attending a hoon event” up to $800, in an area bordered by Calder Park, Keilor Park, Brooklyn and Derrimut.
Brimbank also changed its laws to allow officers to impound any recreational vehicles, such as monkey bikes or scooters, being used on council land without a permit.
Wyndham city operations director Stephen Thorpe said the council would “consider introducing these measures” if Victoria Police asked that they do so.
But he said the council would run a community consultation process before changing its local laws.
“We have done this in the past and we firmly believe in supporting Victoria Police and assisting them as best we can to improve community safety in Wyndham,” Mr Thorpe said.
“Having said that, there may be more effective approaches to this issue than changing the local law.
“For example, earlier this year we purchased two off-road bikes for Victoria Police at a cost of $30,000.
“This was not something we were required to do, but something that would allow for increased patrols of public reserves and help lead to a reduction in the number of people disturbing and endangering members of the community by riding dirt bikes in residential neighbourhoods.”
Mr Thorpe said police had reported the bikes have been an effective tool in tackling the issue.
In July this year, a 16-year-old Hoppers Crossing boy had his new monkey bike impounded for 30 days after he was caught riding unlicensed.
Westgate Highway Patrol allegedly nabbed the teen riding along Red Brick Bridge over Skeleton Creek.
He was charged with unlicensed driving, riding an unregistered motorcycle and riding a monkey bike on a road-related area.
