More than 50 motorists were caught speeding in Tasmania’s Western District on Boxing Day, with police expressing disappointment at the high numbers during the holiday period.
Tasmania Police’s Taskforce Scelus detected a significant portion of the offences while conducting covert operations as part of Operation Safe Arrival.
Two drivers were caught with particularly excessive speeds, travelling more than 30km/h above posted limits.
Acting Inspector Luke Negri said the Boxing Day results were concerning, especially during a period of increased traffic volume.
“Speeding remains one of the most significant contributors to serious injury and fatal crashes,” Negri said.
“Driving at these speeds removes any margin for error.”
“When something unexpected occurs, there is simply no time to react, and the consequences can be catastrophic, something we see far too often.”
A 35-year-old man was intercepted at Preservation Bay, Sulphur Creek, travelling at 125km/h in a 90km/h zone, resulting in a $615 fine and five demerit points.
In another incident, a 24-year-old man was detected travelling at 113km/h in a 70km/h zone on the Bass Highway at Devonport, incurring an $871 fine and six demerit points.
Speeding is identified as one of the ‘Fatal Five’ behaviours that police actively target, alongside distraction and inattention, drink and drug driving, fatigue, and failing to wear a seatbelt.
“These behaviours continue to be a focus for Tasmania Police because they are consistently linked to serious crashes and loss of life,” Negri said.
Police will maintain highly visible and targeted road safety operations throughout the Christmas and New Year period as part of Operation Safe Arrival.
“A moment of impatience or poor decision-making can have lifelong consequences,” Negri said.
Members of the public are encouraged to report dangerous driving to police on 131 444, or triple zero (000) in an emergency.
