P-Plater Caught Doing 155km/h Over the Limit – Are P-Platers a Menace on the Road?

In a concerning display of reckless driving, a young driver was apprehended by officers from the Coffs-Mid Coast Highway Patrol on Sunday, 18th August 2024. The 20-year-old male from Glenreagh was caught speeding at a dangerous 155km/h in a 100km/h zone on the Gwydir Highway, Eatonsville. This incident underscores the ongoing efforts by New South Wales police to reinforce road safety and take decisive action against drivers who endanger the public with their behavior.

The Incident

On that Sunday, officers detected a silver Holden Barina traveling east at an alarming speed of 155km/h—a full 55km/h over the legal limit. The vehicle was spotted on the Gwydir Highway, a road clearly signposted with a 100km/h speed limit. The driver, holding a New South Wales P2 provisional licence, was quickly pulled over by the highway patrol team.

Penalties Issued

The consequences of this reckless behavior were swift and severe:

• Speeding Fine: The driver was issued a hefty $2,959 infringement notice for exceeding the speed limit by more than 45km/h.

• Licence Suspension: As a direct result of the offense, the driver’s licence was suspended for a period of six months, a mandatory penalty aimed at preventing further dangerous driving.

• Vehicle Sanctions: Since the driver was also the owner of the Holden Barina, additional sanctions were applied. The vehicle’s registration was suspended, and the number plates were seized and returned to Transport for NSW (TFNSW).

• Additional Offenses: The driver did not display P plates as required by law and was found in violation of several vehicle compliance regulations. These additional infractions resulted in further infringement notices being issued.

Police Response and Road Safety Message

The Traffic and Highway Patrol Command in New South Wales has been actively working to ensure that road safety remains a priority across the state. This incident highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to identify and penalize individuals who engage in dangerous driving practices.

Police are reinforcing the message that such reckless behavior will not be tolerated, and stringent actions will be taken against those who pose a risk to public safety. The officers involved in this case acted decisively to remove a dangerous driver from the road, protecting both the driver and the wider community from potential harm.

Final Thoughts

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to speed limits and road safety regulations. The significant penalties imposed on the young driver from Glenreagh reflect the serious consequences of reckless driving in New South Wales. As police continue their efforts to keep our roads safe, drivers are urged to consider the impact of their actions and drive responsibly.