Instances of hoon driving and fighting has marred the Summernats weekend, with ACT Policing kept busy during the event.
Over the course of the four days (4-7 January 2024), ACT Policing conducted high-visibility patrols both in and around the event.
In one incident which occurred about 4pm on Saturday 6 January, a drone operated by AFP’s Air Support Team observed a black Holden Commodore conduct a burnout just metres from pedestrians.
Shortly after, police spoke to the driver in nearby Mitchell where it was identified that the 22-year-old man had two children and two adult passengers in the vehicle at the time of the offence.
The 22-year-old Macquarie man was issued with an Immediate Suspension Notice, suspending his right to drive in the ACT for three months. His Holden Commodore was also seized.
The man will be summonsed to face court at a later date, where he is expected to face charges including dangerous driving, drive unsafely maintained vehicle, plates not properly issued, proceed through red light and speeding.
In addition to this incident, a number of other drivers came to police attention throughout the weekend for hoon driving and anti-social behaviour.
Two arrests were made on the Saturday in relation to anti-social behaviour at the event, and a total of 13 vehicles were seized by police across the four days.
ACT Policing Acting Superintendent Rod Anderson expressed his disappointment towards those that engaged in hoon driving and anti-social behaviour.
“Unfortunately, police responded to several incidents of dangerous driving and general anti-social behaviour across the weekend,” Acting Superintendent Anderson said.
“This type of behaviour on our roads placed other road users and pedestrians at significant risk.
“As a result, police seized several vehicles across the four days and issued numerous defect notices.
“Anti-social behaviour was also prevalent, with police responding to various instances of fighting and general non-compliance from large crowds both inside and outside the event.
“It was really disappointing to see how many people engaged in this type of behaviour, with no regard for others that were there to enjoy the event.”
Police are also investigating a fight that broke out at Summernats on the Saturday that involved dozens of patrons, including some wearing “crowd safety” vests. Footage of the fight has been posted to social media.
