One of the cars inspected during Operation Spoiler. Photo: NSW Police.
A police sting operation in the Illawarra has resulted in 18 defective cars grounded and more than 65 infringement notices handed out.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Command Inspector Michael McKechnie hailed the operation as a success in driving down the number of dangerous vehicles and bikes on the region’s roads.
Operation Spoiler targets highly modified and defective vehicles that have been involved in antisocial driving behaviours and those which breach noise standards.
The cars were identified in areas known for antisocial behaviour including Mount Keira, Darkes Forest and Knights Hill.
The operation was led by Traffic and Highway Patrol Command with assistance from the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and Transport for NSW.
According to NSW Police, the drivers of 39 vehicles were handed notices of direction to attend Bulli Showground last Sunday (3 May).
Thirty vehicles were inspected and as a result, 26 defect notices and 41 infringement notices were issued.
Eighteen vehicles were slapped with major grounded defect red labels, which meant the cars were unable to be driven and had to be towed from the showgrounds.
The EPA inspected 12 vehicles and ordered action be taken against 11 of them.
“This operation is a great example of agencies working together to take dangerous and modified vehicles off our roads,” Inspector McKechnie said.
“These vehicles are not only a nuisance to local communities, but also putting other motorists in danger.
“Disappointingly, a further 22 vehicle owners who were issued direction notices to attend Bulli Showground didn’t attend.
“Some of those vehicles have already had their registration cancelled by Transport for NSW, with further action to be taken for other vehicle owners.
“This operation sends a strong message to those drivers who think they can get away with driving dangerous vehicles on our road, or in a dangerous manner, that the law will catch up with them.”
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