The ACT's top traffic cop has blasted the behaviour of a P-plate driver who was caught travelling nearly 90 kilometres an hour over the speed limit, saying it was sheer dumb luck the teenager hadn't killed someone.
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In a statement, ACT Policing said officers conducting speed checks on the Majura Parkway detected a silver Hyundai Elantra travelling at 189 kilometres an hour in a 100 kilometres an hour zone about 9.30pm on Friday.
After being stopped, the 17-year-old driver of the vehicle told police he and his friend were "just going home".
The driver was fined $1841 and incurred 12 demerit points for exceeding the speed limit by 45 kilometres an hour or more during the Christmas-New Year double demerit period.
P-plate drivers in the ACT are suspended for three months if they incur four demerit points during any three-year period. P-platers who have successfully completed a "Road Ready Plus" course have an allowance of eight demerit points.
Acting Station Sergeant David Wills, ACT Policing's officer in charge of traffic operations, said the driver's actions were inexcusable.
“To see this from a provisional license holder is particularly disappointing,” Acting Station Sergeant Wills said.
“It is sheer dumb luck that this driver hasn’t caused a serious collision or killed someone due to their recklessness.
“My message to Canberra drivers is to stick to the sign-posted speed limits, leave enough time to get where you’re going without speeding, and arrive at your destination safely.”
Double demerits will remain in place in the ACT until Tuesday, January 1.
