Police frustrated with dangerous driver behaviour in school zones
ACT Policing continues to urge motorists to slow down around school zones after a 50-year-old Weston man was caught speeding more than 40km/h over the speed limit yesterday (Wednesday, 30 November).
About 2.15pm, Traffic Operations were enforcing the school zone speed limit on College Street in Bruce when they detected a truck travelling at 89km/h within the 40km/h school zone area.
Officer-in-Charge of Tuggeranong Police Station, Station Sergeant Chris Meagher said he was frustrated with this driver’s behaviour.
“School zones are in place to protect our most vulnerable road users. In this instance, the driver took 120 metres to bring the vehicle to a complete stop – highlighting just how dangerous speeding can be,” Station Sergeant Meagher said.
The driver was issued with a Traffic Infringement Notice for exceeding the posted speed limit by more than 45km/h, an $1831 fine and 6 demerit points.
This incident is the second serious incident in a school zone this week.
About 8.10am on Tuesday (29 November), police were enforcing the school zone speed limit on Ellerston Avenue in Isabella Plains when they detected a vehicle traveling at 58km/h within the 40km/h school zone area.
When directed the stop, the driver fled from police and was not pursued. The vehicle was located a short distance away after the driver collided with a tree.
The 18-year-old Isabella Plains woman was discovered to be an unaccompanied learner. The woman underwent a roadside drug screen test, returning a positive indication to a prescribed drug.
“This driver behaviour is abhorrent. It is a miracle that no children were hurt while they were walking to school that morning” Station Sergeant Meagher said.
The 18-year-old has been charged for exceeding the speed limit, failing to stop, not displaying L plates as required, driving unaccompanied, drug driving, driving a motor vehicle without consent and aggravated furious/reckless/dangerous driving. The woman will face court next year.
The speed restrictions are in place between 8am and 4pm within sign-posted school zones.
Media enquiries
Police Media — (02) 6264 9460