The road surfaces of two intersections in Brendale have been treated with calcite bauxite in an attempt to put an end to hooning in the area.
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The treatment was laid down at Bult Drive and at Forgan Road, Joyner as part of a trial of an innovative road surface that shreds tyres during burnouts.
A calcite bauxite treatment is a thin overlay applied to asphalt and concrete roads and highways to improve surface friction. It helps drivers and motorcycle riders retain control on roads by decreasing braking distances as well as skidding and sliding.
Bult Drive, located in an industrial area in Brendale, was chosen for the trial to measure how the surface would hold up under heavy vehicle use whilst the intersections along Forgan Road were identified as a result of residents’ complaints.
The trial will not only determine if it stopped hooning. Council will also find out if the surface caused noise impacts and how well it held up under the weight of daily traffic.
The surface will be monitored for up to nine months, with Council then determining whether to roll it out at other hooning hotspots, identified from residents’ complaints.
According to Cr Cath Tonks, residents have been reporting regular instances of a lot of hooning noise, speeding vehicles, with tyre marks and rubber being left behind at the intersections.
Cr Tonks said many business owners got in touch with her as they were also impacted by the damage and rubbish left behind by the hooning activity.
“Sunday nights were particularly bad, with masses of people gathering, doing burn-outs and leaving behind tyre marks, beer bottles, a terrible smell of burnt rubber – and even tyres,” Cr Tonks said.
Mayor Peter Flannery clarified that the surface would not damage tyres under normal conditions, such as when people drive according to the road rules and conditions.
“We’re working with residents and businesses and so far we haven’t had any more reports of hooning in the locations with the new road surface,” said Mayor Flannery.
Report Hooning Incidents
Moreton Police District Senior Constable Jo Arthur said hooning included illegal street racing, speeding, burn-outs, playing loud music, and dangerous and reckless driving.
“We have been asked more about hooning offences in the region recently – and what can be done to stop this behaviour,” she said.
Authorities are encouraging residents, particularly those who live near council traffic cameras, to report all hooning incidents.
Residents can report hooning or suspicious behaviour by calling the Hoon Hotline on 134 666 or by making a report to Policelink on 131 444.