Ford Raptor Impounded After Driver Discovered To Be Over 6 Foot

WENDELL HUSSEY | Cadet | CONTACT

A Betoota Heights man is today dealing with the consequences of trying to cheat the system.

26-year-old plumber Harry Thompson is facing a bunch of paperwork and the prospect of a hunt for a new car, after having his whip confiscated by local authorities.

Thompson's Ford Raptor was embarrassingly taken away from his job site this morning at approximately 8:54 am.

The controversial towing was conducted after revelations that Thompson stands at a touch over 6ft.

Road rules in the the Diamantina Shire dictate that Ford Raptors are only allowed to be driven by people under 6ft, unless provided with a special exemption.

Known as the Manlet Rule, it was brought in to force in early 2023, in an effort to try and curb prevent the amount of tailgating and aggressive overtaking around town.

Given short kings desperately need to overcompensate for their height related issues, Raptors are allowed to be driven if you are under 6ft.

However, anyone over 6ft in town is banned from driving the cars.

Speaking quickly and quietly to our reporter while waiting for the bus to the shops for lunch, Thompson says he feels pretty silly.

"Man, I always thought I was 5ft 11," he sighed.

"And I kind just never really measured myself after a school."

"I must have had a growth spurt and missed it."

"I guess nan was right all along, I have actually gotten taller."

"It's a silver lining though I guess. Now I can readjust my personality and maintain a healthy relationship with other drivers."

"It's just gonna be a bit of a headache with all the paperwork and that."

More to come.