Motor Trade Says Crushing Boy-Racer-Cars Would Penalise Others

“So-called ‘Confiscation and Destruction’ is a blunt instrument that may provide some satisfaction, but provides no protection for innocent parties holding securities over the vehicles,” said MTA spokesman, Andy Cuming,

MTA is recommending that the Confiscate and Destruction course of action be withdrawn from the proposed legislation.

“We believe that ‘Confiscate and Sell’ would better recognize and protect the interests that otherwise innocent parties have in a vehicle.

“As far as the offending owner/drivers are concerned the same end result is achieved – they lose their vehicles,” he said.

“If a vehicle were sold instead of crushed, it would in most cases realise value that would contribute to recovery of towage and impounding costs, selling costs, recovery of security interests, and payment of any traffic offence fines.”

Andy Cuming said that MTA has made this point in its submission to Government on the proposed legislation.

“Crushing the cars of such offenders may strike a chord in dealing a decisive blow, but when looking to avoid unintended consequences, it’s better to act with your head, not your heart,” he said.