Police have slammed a “disappointing number” of motorists caught speeding and driving under the influence across Tasmania’s north-west in recent days.
Acting Inspector Luke Negri said officers detected two excessive speeders on Saturday, 51 drivers speeding on Boxing Day and a further 96 drivers speeding over the weekend.
Among the most serious cases, a 35-year-old man was caught travelling at 109km/h in a 50km/h zone on Peters Street at Tullah.
The driver received a fine of $1,178.75, six demerit points and a four-month licence disqualification.
In another incident, a 19-year-old man was detected driving at 150km/h in a 100km/h zone on the Ridgley Highway.
The P-plater, who failed to display his P-plates, received fines totalling $1,281, eight demerit points and a four-month disqualification.
“We have seen a devastating number of deaths on our roads this year and it’s confronting but we need to be clear to any motorist considering speeding – a fast drive may be your last drive,” Acting Inspector Negri said.
Officers also detected five motorists with illicit drugs in their systems and several alcohol-affected drivers.
Two high-range drink driving cases involved a 37-year-old Latrobe man who returned a reading of 0.207 (more than four times the legal limit) and a 51-year-old Ridgley woman who recorded 0.245 (nearly five times the legal limit).
Both received immediate 12-month disqualifications.
“Drink and drug driving and speeding is a conscious choice and one that significantly increases the risk of serious injury or death,” Acting Inspector Negri said.
The detections come as part of Operation Safe Arrival, with police continuing to target dangerous driving behaviours that contribute to serious and fatal crashes.
Police are urging drivers to slow down, obey speed limits and help keep Tasmania’s roads safe, with anyone who witnesses dangerous driving encouraged to contact police on 131 444 or Triple Zero (000) in an emergency.
