Sunshine Coast police have issued a stern warning to motorists engaging in dangerous and antisocial driving behaviour to expect to be held accountable for their actions, as part of a new targeted operation.
Operation Redline has been launched to crack down on traffic offending including excessive noise and smoke, speeding and other dangerous driving behaviour.
The highly visible operation will see enforcement activities conducted across the entire district in conjunction with community stakeholders, with a focus on known areas of concern like Mooloolaba and Maroochydore.
Shortly after 1pm on 5 October, it is alleged a grey Mercedes-Benz C200 was conducting burnouts on Marina Walk at Alexandra Parade while a male person was sitting on the bonnet of the vehicle.
Further enquiries led police to attend an address in Mooloolaba on 1 November where a 19-year-old Sippy Downs man was charged with dangerous operation of a vehicle. He is due to face Maroochydore Magistrates Court on 1 December.
Just before 1pm on 23 October, it is alleged police observed a white Toyota Hilux conducting a burnout on David Low Way at Diddillibah before intercepting the vehicle.
A 33-year-old Buderim man was charged with wilfully making unnecessary noise or smoke, and is due to face Maroochydore Magistrates Court on 24 November. The Hilux was also impounded.
At approximately 3.15pm on 31 October, a black Holden Commodore was observed conducting burnouts on Kronk Court in Bli Bli.
Following subsequent investigations, a 55-year-old Bli Bli man was issued a Traffic Infringement Notice (TIN) for wilfully start or drive vehicle in a way that makes unnecessary noise or smoke, and was fined $552. The Holden was also impounded.
Sunshine Coast Support Services Acting Inspector Jonathan McBride said this type of reckless driving places all road users at risk and will not be tolerated.
“Members of the public who engage in this type of dangerous driving behaviour can expect a target on their back during Operation Redline,” he said.
“We are committed to enhancing community safety and protecting the lifestyle we enjoy on the beautiful Sunshine Coast. Police are also urging residents to capture video of what you are seeing and hearing in your neighbourhood to help us identify offenders and target resources to areas of concern.”
Queensland residents are encouraged to report dangerous driving behaviour directly to 13HOON (134 666) or Policelink (131 444). The information you provide is relayed to police for further investigation and allows officers to locate hotspots and take action to prevent it reoccurring.
You can also report online, where you can upload photos and videos: https://www.police.qld.gov.au/policelink-reporting/hooning-launch
If it is happening now or it is a life-threatening situation, please call Triple Zero (000).
