Im just home from a day in Christchurch hearing the first round of submissions on the Government’s two Boy Racer Bills.
Interesting day – far more interesting than I thought it would be, but my clear view after hearing from residents affected by boy racers, from “good” boy racers, the police and officials, is that there is no quick fix here. Legislation makes us feel like we are doing something, but the question for the Select Committee is will these two bills really make any difference or are they just window dressing?
Yes. I wondered how you could choose between the lads who just enjoy the cruising which suggest power and status and peer approval, and those who are just thugs. Pinch a few and this will stop the mass? Doubt it! A bit like being famous for being caned.
What defines a boy racer? Its not the car, or how he does it up – its more the attitude and behavior.
Personally I believe we already have most if the legislation in place already – we just need to take a low tolerance and police them off the road.
* Don’t allow them to rack up $20,000 in fines.
* Don’t let them do 2 weekends community work to pay off the fines.
* Force them to have to pay fines – If they don’t pay – lock’em up
Give them a consequence for their actions. At the moment we have nothing they fear, so continue to behave however they wish.