Source: ACT Police
ACT Policing’s road safety targeting during November saw 685 drivers caught speeding across Canberra, with 11 drivers caught travelling at more than 45km/h above the speed limit.
Throughout November, officers from Road Policing, and General Duties officers from all five police stations targeted speeding drivers.
685 drivers received traffic infringement notices, more than doubling October’s total of 277.
Of the 685 drivers, 11 of those were travelling at more than 45km/h over the speed limit including:
- A 39-year-old man in a Mercedes was detected travelling 150km/h in a 90km/h zone.
- A 29-year-old man riding a motorbike, who was a learner, was detected travelling 142km/h in a 70km/h zone.
- A 22-year-old man in a Toyota Aurion was detected travelling 131km/h in an 80km/h zone.
- A 49-year-old woman in a Mitsubishi Pajero was detected travelling 115km/h in a 60km/h zone.
- A 25-year-old man riding a motorbike was detected travelling 161km/h on the Majura Parkway in a 100km/h zone.
- An 18-year-old man in a Volkswagen Golf was detected travelling 151km/h on the Majura Parkway in a 100km/h zone. He had held a provisional licence for only a week before being caught.
- A provisional driver in a Toyota Corolla was detected travelling 129km/h on Drakeford Drive in an 80km/h zone.
- A 32-year-old man in a Ford Sedan was detected travelling 135km/h in an 80km/h zone.
In addition, three motorcyclists – two of which held learner licences and one who held a provisional licence – were detected traveling more than 30km/h over the speed limit.
Officer in Charge of Road Policing, Detective Inspector Mark Steel, said these figures were extremely disappointing and showed that the message was not getting through to these road users.
“People who wilfully speed are gambling with not only their own lives, but the lives of other road users who deserve to get home safely, so to see these speeds that were observed throughout November is unacceptable,” Detective Inspector Steel said.
“This year we have already seen 10 lives lost on ACT roads, that is 10 too many. As a community, we all need to take a stand, and I would urge everyone to take personal responsibility every day to reduce our road toll.
“Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to control the vehicle and lengthens stopping distances, increasing both the likelihood of crashing and the severity of the crash outcome.
“When you place your hands on the wheel and your foot on the accelerator, you make the decision to speed or not. Last month, 685 drivers made the wrong choice, and they were caught.
“Speeding drivers will continue to be in our sights as we head into summer, and those who make that decision will face penalties.”
Throughout December and heading into the festive season, police will turn their focus to impaired drivers.
Drink and drug driving are serious offences and major contributors to crashes and road fatalities.
“In December, we will be targeting those who choose to get behind the wheel under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
“Roadside alcohol or drug screening can happen anywhere and at any time, and every police vehicle is equipped to be a mobile breath test station.
“We know heading into the warmer months that people will be out celebrating heading into the festive season. If you are drinking, the decision is simple, it’s drink or drive – not both.
“If you do choose to drive impaired by alcohol or drugs, you not only risk your life and the lives of others, you will be caught and face the full consequences of your actions.”