Aaron Bunch Journalist with Australian Associated Press | Collection of published work | + 61 484 008 119 | abunch@aap.com.au
Qld launches high-tech attack on hoons
Drones with night vision and covert cameras are set to be deployed against speeding hooligans in Queensland, Police Minister Mark Ryan says.
September 6, 2020
Queensland police are set to be armed with new high-tech cameras and a fleet of drones with night vision to crack down on reckless drivers.
Officers will also be able to deploy covert cameras in a bid to clamp down on speeding and mass gatherings of drivers acting unlawfully.
Police Minister Mark Ryan says the equipment will generate high-resolution images allowing police to identify each vehicle.
“There’s no apology for targeting these reckless drivers,” he said on Sunday.
“They are purely and simply idiots who are doing the wrong thing and risking the lives of others.”
Mr Ryan said the government also planned to expand existing laws to stop drivers avoiding prosecution by denying they were behind the wheel.
“An offender will no longer be able to avoid prosecution by simply masking their identities,” he said.
The onus of proof will be shifted onto the vehicle owner to prove they weren’t driving, allowing police to make greater use of the hooning footage to lay charges or issue fines.