Four drivers clocked at more than 140kph within one hour
Four drivers have lost their licences and will appear in court after police caught them driving at more than 140kph – with one topping 160kph.
Tasman’s road policing manager Hamish Chapman said seven drivers were caught driving at high speeds on Whakatu Dr within an hour early on Sunday evening. They’d also caught seven drivers who were over the alcohol limit.
Police were on the road with radars and cameras after staff reported a significant increase in speeds along that stretch of highway, Chapman said.
Four of the drivers were clocked travelling faster than 140kph, with one motorcyclist reaching 163kph, Chapman said. “If you think about that speed, you know what the outcome is if they crash ... horrific.”
Anyone caught 40kph over the speed limit earned an instant suspension and a court summons.
Chapman also raised the issue of people using phones while behind the wheel.
Tagging along during an operation targeting morning commuter traffic, Chapman heard the same excuses from drivers again and again.
“I was just texting my boss because I’m late to work. I was just sorting out something with the kids.”
Others said they were sorting out their music, or were looking at their map – a thin excuse for Nelson residents, Chapman said.
It all amounted to distraction, which was concerning for the safety of the drivers and everyone else using the roads, he said.
“Ask yourself what you’d say to a person’s family if your poor driving behaviour resulted in someone getting killed, and what you would tell your own family.
“We’re urging motorists to think about their lives, their careers, their travel opportunities, and also other people. The impact of being caught drink-driving, or travelling at dangerous speeds can have effects on you that you can’t anticipate.”