MEDIA RELEASE - 18 DECEMBER 2008

Parramatta has one of the most enjoyable outdoor dining experiences in Australia. But nothing spoils an evening than hotted up cars and inconsiderate drivers driving past only centimeters away with excessive and obnoxious noise blasted onto diners.

A “trial” of sorts has been occurring for over the last eleven months where Parramatta Council’s rangers were placed in hot spots booking these cars and drivers.

“Enough is enough. Those hotted up cars and inconsiderate drivers can take their own so called musical appreciation and sharing somewhere,” said Clr Chiang Lim.

For years now, there exists broad community objections to cars being allowed to have extraordinarily powerful speakers installed, yet the NSW Road and Traffic Authority does not appear to regulate such modifications and considers them legal.

“Diners and pedestrians are entitled to conduct their private activities with a reasonable sense of privacy, peace and safety. What these objectionable cars and drivers present are not only a noise pollution but also a vehicle safety as there is a much higher likelihood of these vehicles driving recklessly in our streets,” said Clr Lim.

From 11 night time campaigns over the last 11 months, Parramatta Council’s rangers have booked 147 vehicles, fining them $150 for each offence or $300 each for business vehicles. These infringement notices are issued under the relatively new "cause offensive noise from motor vehicle sound system" powers.

During Parramatta Council’s rangers’ campaigns against car hoons, there was a high of 18 vehicles fined from a single night, through to a subsequent drop to as low as 6 vehicles fined, demonstrating that these campaigns against car hoons are working but only to a point.

“Unfortunately, our rangers must conduct this campaign as often as possible because these car hoons still don’t get it, and still have those hotted up cars and modifications to their sound systems. So campaigns have to continue until such time that car hoons no longer travel in Parramatta and off NSW streets altogether,” said Clr Lim.

Community calls to the NSW Government to address this social problem has not revealed any solutions. “Wickedly, I would love to have these car hoons detained and forced to listen to say Barry Manilow music in a room, just like we are forced to listen to theirs. Let’s see if they like it! In the meantime, Parramatta will continue to combat car hoons as best as we can,” said Clr Lim.

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