Vic: Asbestos discovery keeps hoon cars on roads

AAP General News (Australia)
04-17-2010
Vic: Asbestos discovery keeps hoon cars on roads

MELBOURNE, April 17 AAP - The discovery of asbestos at a vehicle impoundment yard will
see hoon cars left on Melbourne's roads this weekend.

A statement issued by Victoria Police said the Preston yard in the city's inner north
was temporarily closed on Friday afternoon after positive tests for asbestos were returned.

A staff member discovered the particles on two desks at the yard and samples later
tested positive for asbestos.

The 15-member workforce was immediately sent home and has been offered health checks.

"The yard is closed temporarily until further tests on the entire complex by WorkSafe
hygienists are completed," the police statement said.

"Areas where the asbestos was found have been quarantined and are now being cleaned
by WorkSafe industrial cleaners."

Under Victoria's anti-hoon laws, police can seize cars immediately and impound them for 48 hours.

On average, 50 cars are impounded across the state every weekend.

Hoons detected by police will be handed a surrender notice ordering cars to be handed
over for impoundment in five days.

Police say contingency plans are in place if the yard needs to be closed beyond Monday.

Impoundments in regional Victoria will be unaffected because cars are stored at contractor
towing facilities.

Police have warned that while hoons on Melbourne roads will not have their cars seized
immediately, they still face tough penalties, including on-the-spot fines of up to $700,
demerit points and possible arrest.

They will also lose their cars for 48 hours "at a later stage".

AAP cmb/jfm/mn

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