The recent incident in Tauranga involving 300 boyracers has once again highlighted the danger posed by these individuals on our roads. The incident, which saw one bystander hit by a car and only one arrest made, has raised concerns about the Police's ability to deal with these dangerous louts.

It is clear that action needs to be taken to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

Boyracers have long been a problem on New Zealand's roads, and their reckless driving puts not only themselves but also innocent bystanders at risk.

One solution to this problem could be to introduce tougher penalties for those caught engaging in dangerous driving behaviour. This could include longer jail sentences, larger fines, and even the confiscation of their vehicles.

The current penalties clearly are not acting as enough of a deterrent, and tougher action needs to be taken to protect the public. Another solution could be to increase police presence in areas where boyracers are known to congregate. By having a more visible Police presence, these individuals may be less likely to engage in dangerous behaviour.

However, this alone may not be enough, and other measures such as roadblocks or checkpoints may need to be implemented to catch those engaging in dangerous driving.

Finally, education is key in preventing these incidents from occurring in the first place. Many boyracers are young drivers who may not fully understand the risks associated with their behaviour. By providing education and awareness campaigns, these individuals may be more likely to drive responsibly and avoid putting themselves and others in danger. It is clear something needs to be done about these dangerous louts. While the Police certainly have a role to play in addressing this issue, it will require a coordinated effort from all stakeholders, including the Government, law enforcement agencies, and the public, to truly make a difference. Only through a concerted effort can we hope to make our roads safer and prevent tragedies like the one that occurred in Tauranga from happening again.

Graeme Devereaux, Tauranga South.