Repeat offenders mar Queens Birthday long weekend traffic results

ACT Policing Traffic Operations conducted high-visibility patrols throughout the Queens Birthday long weekend.

Double demerits were in place from midnight on June 4 through to midnight June 8 for speeding and selected seat belt offences.

Traffic Operation's Acting Superintendent Ron Melis said that the patrols were Canberra-wide and there was a particular focus on speeding and drink-driving in an attempt to modify unsafe driver behaviours.

Among the most alarming results recorded was a 28-year-old male unlicensed driver who was detected at 130km/h in a 60km/h zone on Tillyard Drive, Charnwood early Monday morning (June 8). This is particularly alarming considering the close proximity to the fatal collision on Karinga Drive, Fraser on Sunday morning (June 7).

Also, about 5pm Monday (June 8), a 21-year-old male driver was detected at 127km/h in an 80km/h zone on Adelaide Avenue, Forrest. The driver failed to stop when directed by police and when followed, was seen to drive off the roadway, onto a nature strip and stop outside a residence on Mugga Way, Red Hill.

Police arrested the driver and conveyed him to the City Regional Watch House where he returned a positive breath analysis of 0.091. He will be summonsed to face the ACT Magistrates Court at a later date.

Over the double demerit period police issued 86 Traffic Infringement Notices and delivered 44 Cautions. A total of 19 drivers were found to have exceeded the blood alcohol limit with the highest reading being 0.194.

“There are too many drivers and motorcyclists repeatedly endangering themselves and others by speeding and drink-driving,” Acting Supt Melis said.

“ACT Policing will continue to work through the winter period to keep our roads safe for all road users.”