Two Geraldton P-platers charged with reckless driving following alleged burnouts near school, police RBT

Two P-plate drivers have been charged with reckless driving after allegedly doing burnouts five minutes apart near a school in full view of police.

Geraldton traffic police were carrying out random breath testing on Cathedral Avenue last Tuesday about 11.50am when they say an 18-year-old man — who was the sole driver of a red Holden Commodore — was allegedly driving near Geraldton Senior High School.

Police allege when the driver turned left onto Cathedral Avenue from Carson Terrace, he created friction marks along the road for 10 metres.

“He revved his engine loudly, dropped the clutch and spun the rear wheels. This caused a loud skidding sound and smoke to emit from the rear wheels,” traffic officer in charge Sgt George Tilbury said.

Just five minutes later, police say a 20-year-old man was driving a Mitsubishi Magna sedan on the same road and did a similar burnout.

“The accused executed a U-turn to face east and heavily accelerated causing the tyres of his vehicle to spin and emanate a loud sound for approximately 15 metres,” Sgt Tilbury said.

The speed zone in the area is 50km/h, and the area is deemed a confiscation zone. Both vehicles were impounded by police and both probationary drivers were charged with reckless driving.

Sgt Tilbury said the drivers were irresponsible to drive dangerously near school grounds and such behaviour would not be tolerated.

“Doing burnouts near a school at lunch time is stupid, very dangerous and a disaster waiting to happen. Doing it in full view of police defies belief,” he said.

“Geraldton traffic is cracking down on this reckless hood behaviour, with offenders guaranteeing themselves a date with the magistrate.”

The 18-year-old will face Geraldton Magistrates court on October 14. The 20-year-old will face court on October 28.

P-plate drivers who are convicted of reckless driving will see their licence cancelled.