That was the question posed last Friday by a concerned local businessman who has become frustrated at the inability of local police to stop drivers driving recklessly in Parkes.

The man, who wished to remain anonymous so he would not be unduly targeted, said that despite contacting police on a number of occasions, the drivers continue to do burnouts and endanger locals.

“These hoons won’t stop until there is an accident and it might be too late then,” he said.

“It is starting to become pandemic-like.

“I talk to a lot of people who are also concerned.

“It is not just out the front of my place, there are burnout marks out the front of council in Cecile Street, on the corner of Short and Welcome Streets, in Short Street itself, in East Street and in Alexander Street, just to name a few.

“You just get to sleep before these hoons start smoking their tyres up and then you are up for hours.

“As soon as there is a drop of rain it is even worse.

“I get number plates each time and give them to police, but the very next night they are at it again.

“I call the police and they say they will send a car down.

“As soon as the patrol car gets the call the hoons take off.

“They must have a scanner or something.

“The police are doing what they can, but it appears what is being done at the moment is ineffectual.

“Maybe they need an unmarked car to cruise around and catch these people out.

“I am genuinely concerned for the wellbeing of people walking on the footpaths as these drivers have lost control of their vehicles.

“They are mostly red or green P plate drivers who have minimal experience behind the wheel.

“It won’t be long before something tragic happens.

“I hope it does not come to that,” he said.

Chief Inspector David Cooper of Lachlan Area Command said police were taking the matter very seriously.

“The Police are keen to hear from any eye-witnesses to any form of reckless or dangerous driving,” he said.

“If we can get as much information as possible, including a description of the vehicle and driver we will investigate. 

“One of the many investigative tools we use is the CCTV which covers large parts of the CBD area, however, there are also businesses and private homes with CCTV which we can review.

"To those drivers who are participating in these types of driving - be warned.

“You will be prosecuted and you may lose your licence. 

“The consequences can be far greater than that though as they could hurt themselves or others and find themself before the court and facing a gaol term. 

“Parkes Police treat all of these calls seriously, but we need to be able to prove the elements of the offence so the more information we can get (time/date/location/vehicle description/driver description) the better.”