Several car lovers, including self-confessed hoons, took to the Mercury’s website at the weekend to share their thoughts after it revealed police had launched a crackdown on bad driver behaviour through the national park.

Wollongong Highway Patrol officers carried out the high-visibility operation, charging scores of hoons who were found speeding, drifting and driving unroadworthy vehicles. A total of nine drivers were caught exceeding the speed limit by more than 45km/h, while a further three were caught speeding more than 20km/h over the limit.

Join the debate: readers react to crackdown

However, many who took to the Mercury’s website said the behaviour would not stop until an alternative, legal venue was found.

‘‘It’s time that the local government provides these drivers with a legal option for them to utilise their vehicles,’’ Real Solutions for Australia posted.

Anthony Wright wrote: ‘‘As a recreational driver and someone who intentionally avoids the national park for this very reason, I have to say the only solution is to provide more accessible and affordable options for recreational drivers. Cracking down on bad behaviour without providing an outlet will do nothing to address the problem.’’

‘lolhoon’ agreed: ‘‘How about instead of revenue raising work out an alternative for drivers who like to use their cars and drive fast? There are zero legal places to do this in Sydney.’’

However, other commentators were unforgiving.

‘‘Yes there should be a facility for these types of activities, but just because there isn’t does not mean it is OK to break the law,’’ Far Out wrote.

‘Sara’ called for drivers to be given higher fines and have their cars confiscated, while ‘Val’ said she was ‘‘tired of watching people being scraped off the road’’.