A Serpentine Jarrahdale resident says dangerous driving and burnouts at the South Western Highway and Fisher Road intersection have left him fearing for the safety of his neighbourhood and the risk of a potential bushfire.
Steve, who lives nearby, said he regularly hears vehicles spinning their wheels late at night and worries the activity could ignite surrounding bushland.
“If it’s not stopped, we’re going to have a fire out of control,” he said.
“They’ve gone into the side of the grass, into the actual dirt – we were very lucky we didn’t get burnt out.
“They go down and spin their wheels until they’re down to the rim.”
Steve said he had previously attended a police station to file a report but was told action could not be taken without photo evidence such as number plates or driver identification.
He said he was reluctant to approach the vehicles to gather proof due to safety concerns.
Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale President Rob Coales said any behaviour that posed a bushfire risk was concerning, but the shire had not recorded any fire incidents related to vehicle ignition at the location.
Mr Coales said the shire had implemented a range of bushfire preparedness measures, including firebreaks and fuel load management on private land.
“The shire also maintains a bushfire risk management plan, to assist in the management of bushfire risk across the district based on vulnerable community protection and the nature of hazards on the landscape,” he said.
“This forms an important part of fire prevention and mitigation.”
He said driver behaviour had been discussed during his most recent meeting with the Mundijong police officer in charge and the Armadale district office.
However, Mr Coales added WA Police were best placed to comment on hoon driving reports and whether the intersection was considered high risk.
Mr Coales encouraged residents to report hoon driving to WA Police and said the shire was assisting police in a trial placement of CCTV that includes automatic number plate recognition (ANPR).
The six-month trial began on January 27.
“If evidence of hooning behaviour is collected, action can be taken,” he said.
A WA Police spokesperson said hoon activity and dangerous driving across metropolitan and regional areas were closely monitored.
“Local police undertake targeted patrols and enforcement activity in response to identified risks and community reports,” the spokesperson said.
“Police take enforcement action when offences are detected. This can include issuing infringements, laying charges and impounding vehicles.”
The Examiner asked WA Police how many reports of hoon or dangerous driving had been received since 2020, how many related specifically to the South Western Highway and Fisher Road intersection, how many infringements, charges or vehicle impoundments had been issued in the area in the past five years and whether additional patrols or enforcement blitzes were planned.
WA Police did not respond to those questions prior to deadline.
