Biker clocked at 156km/h

A P-plate motorcyclist has been clocked travelling at 156km/h in an urban zone in the North-West as Tasmania Police launch its annual Easter traffic blitz.

The 17-year-old male rider had his bike seized after allegedly speeding through the 60km/h zone just before 9am yesterday. He faces a court appearance and a minimum dis- qualification period of four months, a fine of $900 and six dermit points.

Speed will be one of the “fatal five” targeted by police this Easter. Drink and drug driving hot spots will be heavily policed and those trying to escape notice by taking backroads have been warned police could be anywhere.

The crackdown — Operation Crosswords — was launched yesterday at Howth, near Penguin, where Tasmania Police pulled over drivers and conducted licence and breathalyser checks.

Operation Crossroads begins on Thursday and will run through April 3.

“We have to make sure everyone uses the roads safely — remember Tasmania Police could be anywhere this Easter,” Commander Jonathan Higgins said.

There were no road fatali- ties recorded last Easter but eight people were seriously injured in crashes in the state.

Already this year there have been 12 fatalities, four involving motorcycles. There have also been 60 serious injuries.

“That is a scary statistic and speed is an aggravating factor in every serious injury crash,” Road Safety Advisory Council Chairman Garry Bailey said.

“Driving requires 100 per cent concentration. When you’re driving that’s all you should be doing, not using your phone, turning to check on the kids, not daydreaming,” he said.

Inattention and/or distraction were a contributing factor in about one in four serious road crashes in the past five years, Mr Bailey said.

Police said they would be targeting the backstreets, rural roads and entertainment districts this campaign.

“You could still be over the limit even if you’ve had a few hours’ sleep,” Commander Higgins said.

The SES will be providing Driver Reviver sites throughout the Easter break at five locations — St Peter’s Pass, The Sidling Lookout on the Tasman Highway, Paramatta Creek on the Bass Highway, Fossey River on the Murchison highway and on the Franklin River Nature Trail