By Mike Bain from The Daily Examiner.

Enough is the call from the New Zealand Government is intensifies its crackdown on anti-social and dangerous driving with a set of tougher penalties aimed at deterring boy racers, fleeing drivers, and intimidating convoys.

Transport Minister Chris Bishop and Police Minister Mark Mitchell argue that current penalties are insufficient, and police reports indicate an increase in such behavior. The proposed legislation, set to be introduced in mid-2025, includes:

• Vehicle destruction or forfeiture for convicted fleeing drivers, street racers, and intimidating convoy participants.
• Expanded police powers to close roads and public areas to manage illegal vehicle gatherings.
• Higher fines for excessive noise from vehicles, increasing from $50 to $300 for police-issued fines and from $1,000 to $3,000 for court-ordered fines.

The ministers emphasize that these measures reflect public frustration with reckless drivers who endanger communities. The legislation will establish a presumptive court-ordered sentence of vehicle forfeiture or destruction, with limited exceptions for cases where forfeiture would be unjust or cause extreme hardship.

Supporters of the proposal argue that it will:

• Act as a strong deterrent against reckless driving.
• Reduce dangerous incidents and improve public safety.
• Empower police with more tools to manage illegal gatherings.

Critics, however, raise concerns that:

• The destruction of vehicles may disproportionately impact lower-income offenders.
• The expanded police powers could lead to excessive enforcement.
• The policy may not address the root causes of anti-social driving, such as social and economic factors.

Labour police spokesperson Ginny Andersen has strongly criticized the proposal, arguing that it is a distraction from more pressing issues, such as pay equity for women.

She contends that similar policies have failed in the past and that increasing fines has not historically led to long-term behavioral change.

Andersen also highlights concerns that frontline police are being given more responsibilities without additional resources.

Some civil rights advocates and legal experts question whether the presumptive vehicle forfeiture is too harsh, potentially punishing vehicle owners who were not directly involved in the offenses. Others argue that increasing fines may not be effective if offenders are unable to pay.

Meanwhile, free speech and civil liberties groups have raised concerns about the expansion of police powers, warning that it could lead to excessive enforcement and unintended consequences. Some critics argue that the Government should focus on addressing the underlying causes of crime, such as economic hardship and social inequality, rather than punitive measures.

The debate continues as the Government prepares to introduce the legislation.