Community improvement group Kaitangata Promotions and Balclutha police have made a joint submission to the Clutha District Council’s annual plan process, requesting up to $25,000 funding for CCTV cameras in the town near Balclutha.
In his submission, John Hollis, of Kaitangata Promotions, said irresponsible driving in the town was placing an unnecessary burden on police.
"For far too long now the citizens of Kaitangata have been subjected to the dangerous activities of underage motorcycle riders using the streets ... as a race track [and] irresponsible drivers doing what is known as ‘burn-outs’ on our roads.
"Any reasonable person will recognise the foregoing as totally unacceptable."
For this reason, the group proposed installing four CCTV cameras, at a rough cost of $25,000, he said.
In a supporting submission, Balclutha police prevention sergeant Chris Parsons said some residents appeared to believe dangerous driving was acceptable.
"Despite the views of a large proportion of Kaitangata residents this behaviour is often promoted and encouraged under the mentality of ‘Kai Rulz’."
He said "prevention first" and deterrence tactics appeared to have little effect, and attempts at prosecution were sometimes hampered by "fear of retribution" for witnesses.
"The community is small and ... tight-knit ... [and] often reluctant to provide police with any physical evidence for fear of retribution.
"Surveillance cameras would be hugely beneficial ... to negate a lot of the fears and assist police."
The council will hold annual plan hearings tomorrow afternoon, at its Balclutha chambers.
Community and other organisations have made funding requests totalling about $660,000 this year.
