Police and council to act on Patonga Dr burnouts

NSW Police will open a "Pearl Beach-Patonga" case file and Central Coast Council will investigate road and traffic measures to deter drivers from doing burn-outs and doughnuts on Patonga Dr, near the Pearl Beach turnoff.

The use of road safety cameras will also be investigated.

The action follows a meeting in Pearl Beach on December 19, convened by Member for Gosford Ms Liesl Tesch, with police and council staff.

About 60 Pearl Beach and Patonga residents attended the meeting with Police Commander Darryl Jobson, highway patrol Inspector Martin Searle, council director Mr Boris Bolgoff and council roads manager Ms Jeanette Williams.

"Pearl Beach residents have continually been disturbed by loud and extreme erratic vehicle burn outs at the intersection, spinning their vehicles in all directions, leaving tyre road markings as visible evidence, from as early as 7pm until late at night," said Pearl Beach Progress Association publicity officer Ms Lynne Lillico.

Ms Lillico said it became evident at the meeting that police records did not reflect the numbers of reports made by residents to the police.

Commander Jobson said he would brief his staff on recording calls.

"He requested that residents collect as much evidence, photos of number plates, videos - and only do this if it was safe to do so," said Ms Lillico.

"Currently 131 444 which is a central number will be directed to Woy Woy police at 4379 7311."

Residents should request a "job number" when making a report to the police.

Ms Lillico said Inspector Searle told the meeting that the response of the highway patrol "depends on activities in different areas and the hierarchy of responses".

Mr Bolgoff told the meeting that the council would look at "road surface deterrents" and "options such as line marking, traffic tubes and rumble bars", she said.

The progress association asked that residents email the association at burnouts@pearlbeachprogress.org.au when reporting incidents to police to help it monitor the situation.

SOURCE:

Media release, 7 Jan 2025

Lynne Lillico, Pearl Beach Progress Association