Dob in a hoon driver

SOUTH Australians will be able to take a more active role in tackling hoon driving with the announcement that, if elected, the Labor Party will fund the development of a new “Dob in a Hoon” smart phone app.

The app will allow the public to lend their eyes and ears to police by reporting excessive speeding and dangerous hoon driving in real time.

It will be made available for both Apple and Android phones and will complement SAPOL’s Traffic Watch 24 hour hotline.

Police Minister Chris Picton said the proposed app would build on the State Government’s strong anti-hoon laws.

In 2010, legislation was introduced to tackle dangerous driving, with SAPOL given the power to immediately seize and impound vehicles where a person has been reported, charged or arrested for hoon driving.

“People who engage in dangerous driving behaviour demonstrate no regard for their safety, the safety of their passengers, or the safety of other road users,” Mr Picton said.

“This app builds on our tough anti-hoon laws, which have empowered SAPOL to clamp or impound more than 51,000 vehicles for dangerous driving.

“The app will allow SAPOL to target their patrol resources on dangerous driving hot spots and take action against people who put themselves and other people at risk with their behaviour.”