Benjamin Way burnout

A 31-year-old NSW man had his vehicle seized by police following a burnout last night (Tuesday, February 5).

Around 7.25pm police were on a routine patrol in Belconnen when they witnessed a white Holden SS Crewman utility turn from Market Street onto Benjamin Way, adjacent to the Belconnen Police Station.

Police observed the vehicle conduct a burnout with a large plume of blue/white smoke emitting from the rear wheels of the vehicle.

The vehicle was intercepted and seized by police in Solly Place, Belconnen. The driver will be summonsed to face ACT Magistrates Court at a later date.

Officer-in-Charge of Belconnen Police Station, Sergeant Matt Corbitt said the action taken by police should send a very clear message to all drivers on Canberra roads that dangerous driving practices will not be tolerated.

“In line with our Ministerial Direction we will continue to focus on road safety issues, particularly in relation to anti-social and dangerous driving behaviours such as burnouts, speeding, street racing and other irresponsible driving behaviours,” Sergeant Corbitt said.

“Our primary responsibility is the safety of everyone in Canberra. If people choose to break the law then they should be prepared to wear the consequences.”

Under Section 5 of the Road Transport (Safety and Traffic Management) Act 1999, police may seize vehicles for offences of street racing, speed trials, burnouts and menacing driving. Vehicles can be seized for up to 90 days for a first offence and may be seized and forfeited to the Territory for a second offence if so ordered by the court.

[Courtesy ACT Policing]