Two drivers will have their licences disqualified for at least four months after they were intercepted travelling at excessive speed along Midland Highway at Conara this morning.

Members from the Northern Road Policing Services (Highway Patrol) were conducting high visibility patrols along the Midland Highway about 9:45am where they observed two vehicles – a white Nissan Skyline and a grey Ford Kuga – both travelling north at 158km/h.

Both vehicles were safely intercepted with use of the Highway Patrol Kia Stinger.

The driver of the Nissan was a 17-year-old female P1 driver who is restricted to a maximum speed limit of 100km/h. The driver of the Ford, a 49-year-old woman, is the mother of the female driving the Nissan.

Both drivers have been fined $1,121.25 and 6 demerit points for the excessive speed. Both vehicles have been clamped or confiscated for a period of 28 days. Being a provisional driver, the 17-year-old is subject to a further period of disqualification.

Coupled with the high speed, the P1 driver was had three young passengers (all aged 16-17 years) in the vehicle, which is outside the peer rules for young drivers.

“Tasmania Police and the community know that speeding is a major contributor towards fatal and serious crashes on our roads,” said Sergeant Benjamin Kromkamp.

“On this occasion, not only was the high speed itself dangerous, but combining it with P1 driver inexperience – the results could have been fatal.

“To keep all road users safe, Tasmania Police will continue to hold unsafe drivers to account including the seizure of vehicles and disqualification of licences.

“Remember, police can be anywhere, anytime, so slow down and get to your destination safely”.

Whilst three police were stopped on the roadside with their emergency lights activated, dangerously 14 drivers were detected travelling past them at excessive speed. All drivers received infringement notice for ‘Fail to slow to safe stopping speed when approaching police/emergency/assistance/escort vehicle displaying flashing light or sounding alarm’ which attracts 3 demerit points and a fine of $341.25.

“Remember to always slow down when approaching emergency vehicles which are displaying lights or sounding an alarm and drive at a speed able to stop safely. This is for everyone’s safety”.