WA Police are on track to seize a record number of vehicles from hoons and unlicensed drivers this year, revealing they impounded an average of 37 cars daily.

But it did not deter many of those who were flouting the laws. Police Minister Michelle Roberts said police were “just weeks away” from crushing the 10,000th car permanently confiscated from a repeat offender in the past four years.

Disturbingly, police were seizing an increasing number of vehicles from drivers who were not entitled to be on the road because their licences were suspended or cancelled, Mrs Roberts said.

“This sort of risk-taking behaviour on our roads can have tragic consequences,” she said.

Statistics show unlicensed drivers were more likely to be involved in crashes, while speeding contributed to more than a third of last year’s road deaths.

Camera Icon Police are impounding about 40 hoon cars every day. Credit: PerthNow, Simon Santi.

Police have the power to seize vehicles for at least 28 days from people caught driving while under court-ordered or demerit point suspensions or from hoons. In most cases, a vehicle is only confiscated and crushed or sold after a third offence. Laws in force since January make it easier for authorities to permanently take vehicles from WA’s worst motorists.

Forty-two drivers have had their cars confiscated on a first offence for reckless driving in a school zone or suburban area.

This includes speeding at least 45km/h over the limit or doing burnouts. Police figures show they have taken an increasing number of cars and motorbikes off rogue drivers each year, with 11,491 vehicles impounded last year, up from 10,308 in 2013.

In just the 18 months to June this year, a staggering 7051 vehicles — an average 391 a month — were crushed, sold or given away after being permanently confiscated by authorities.

As police prepare to crush the 10,000th confiscated car, Mrs Roberts said she would see if more could be diverted from the scrap dealers and used for training.

“It may be more of them are able to be supplied to the Department of Fire and Emergency Services or perhaps volunteer groups and students studying panel beating,” she said.

The Road Safety Commission said more than $23,575 was raised for the Road Trauma Trust Fund from the sale of confiscated vehicles last financial year.