His government will introduce a new bill that could result in speedsters, hoons and drivers who lead police on a pursuit having their number plates confiscated for three months, AAP reported.

If they are caught a second time, police will seize their vehicle.

‘‘The message to these would-be criminals is simple,’’ Mr O’Farrell said in a statement.‘‘If you want to keep your car, slow down and obey the law.’’

‘‘And if they are stupid enough to do it again, it will be confiscated forever.’’

Police Minister Michael Gallacher said there were 1781 police pursuits and 3079 legal actions for high-range speeding - more than 45km/h - in 2011.

‘‘This is tough legislation but this government makes no apologies,’’ Mr Gallacher said in a statement.

‘‘If it stops just one death from a police pursuit or speed-related death, it will be worth it.’’

Under the proposed legislation, instead of physically impounding the vehicle, police may now simply remove the number plates from the car.

The bill also narrows the grounds on which local courts can issue an early release of a vehicle or number plates for hardship reasons.