In November, ACT Policing’s road safety campaign caught 685 drivers speeding across Canberra, with 11 of them exceeding the speed limit by more than 45km/h. This represents a significant increase from October’s total of 277 infringements.

During the month, officers from Road Policing and General Duties focused on identifying speeding drivers. Notable cases included:

• A 39-year-old man driving a Mercedes at 150km/h in a 90km/h zone.
• A 29-year-old learner motorcyclist caught at 142km/h in a 70km/h zone.
• A 22-year-old man in a Toyota Aurion detected at 131km/h in an 80km/h zone.
• A 49-year-old woman in a Mitsubishi Pajero driving at 115km/h in a 60km/h zone.
• A 25-year-old motorcyclist clocked at 161km/h on the Majura Parkway (100km/h limit).
• An 18-year-old provisional driver in a Volkswagen Golf traveling 151km/h on the Majura Parkway, just a week after receiving their licence.

Additionally, three motorcyclists, two holding learner licences and one provisional, were caught exceeding the speed limit by more than 30km/h.

Detective Inspector Mark Steel, Officer in Charge of Road Policing, expressed disappointment at the figures.

“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.”

December focus: Impaired driving

Throughout December and heading into the festive season, police will turn their focus to impaired drivers.

“In December, we will be targeting those who choose to get behind the wheel under the influence of alcohol and drugs,” said Detective Inspector Steel.

“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.”