ACT Policing is reminding the community on the dangers of speeding following an alarming number of high range speeding incidents in recent weeks.
On Friday, 17 April 2020, police detected a 33-year-old Gilmore woman driving at 152km/h in an 80km/h zone on Horse Park Drive. She was issued an infringement for exceeding the speed limit by more than 45km/h ($1841 and 6 points).
On Saturday, 18 April 2020 police detected a motorcycle being ridden by a 25-year-old Curtin man travelling at 200km/h in a 90km/h zone on Majura Road. The man had never held any form of license. He was issued an infringement for exceeding the speed limit by more than 45km/h ($1841 and 6 points) and for unlicensed riding ($675).
On Sunday, 19 April 2020, police detected two other motorcycle riders travelling at 149 km/h on the Barton Highway. Both riders – provisional rider license holders – also received infringement notices for exceeding the posted speed limit by greater than 45km/h ($1841 and 6 points).
Officer in Charge of Traffic Operations, Detective Station Sergeant Marcus Boorman said he was disgusted by these and other recent high range speeding incidents.
“There is simply no excuse for speeding,” Detective Station Sergeant Boorman said. “It’s idiotic, it’s irresponsible, and worst of all, it’s dangerous.
“This month alone, we’ve seen an increase of 3 to 11 drivers caught travelling more than 45km/h over the posted speed limit compared to the same period last year. The number has jumped from seven to 26 for drivers caught travelling between 30-45km/h over the limit when compared to the same period last year. This is unbelievable.”
“When you’re behind the wheel of a vehicle, you are not just responsible for your own safety and those in the vehicle with, but the safety of other road users, and it’s that blatant disregard for the safety of others that make these incidents so infuriating to police.”
ACT Traffic Officers will be undertaking a zero tolerance operation over the ANZAC Day long weekend, with a particular focus on speeding.
“I know there are fewer cars on the road at the moment, but that does not give a driver or rider the right to turn a public road into their own personal race track,” Detective Station Sergeant Boorman said.
“The faster you go, the harder you hit, and at high speed a collision is more likely to have tragic consequences.”
Between 16 April and 19 April, one ACT Policing traffic team issued 43 infringements for exceeding the speed limit by 30km/h or less and a further nine for exceeding the speed limit by more than 45km/h (details below*).
“Some of the speeds are just staggering, as is the stupidity of the drivers involved in these incidents,” Detective Station Sergeant Boorman said.
“Our message is clear – slow down, don’t speed, drive to the conditions, and help us save lives.”
*Incidents
150km/h in a 100km/h zone on Barton Hwy, Crace.
93km/h in a 60km/h zone on Southern Cross Drive, Latham
141km/h in a 90km/h zone on Caswell Drive, Aranda
145km/h in a 100km/h zone on Majura Parkway
127km/h in a 90km/h zone on the Tuggeranong Parkway (P Plater)
122km/h in a 80km/h zone on the Monaro Highway, Gilmore.
110km/h in a 80km/h zone on Gungahlin Drive, Franklin
120km/h in a 90km/h zone on Gungahlin Drive, Aranda
110km/h in a 80km/h zone on William Hovell Drive