Police have increasing concerns about the driving behaviours of some Provisional licence holders, with several recent high-range speeding offences detected on Tasmanian roads.
Inspector Vanessa Castle of Southern Road Policing Services said some of the driving police had witnessed was "terrifying", which includes a 17-year-old P1 licence holder intercepted for travelling 54km/h above the speed limit on the East Derwent Highway on Friday night.
Officers from Southern Road Policing Services detected the vehicle travelling at 134km/h in an 80km/h zone on the highway before stopping the driver, who underwent both alcohol and drug testing.
The driver will be issued with an infringement notice for exceeding the speed limit by more than 45km/h, attracting six demerit points, a $1225 fine and a four-month disqualification from driving.
The vehicle, registered to a family member, will be clamped for 28 days.
Police say the incident is a reminder of the risks inexperienced drivers take when speeding.
"Travelling at this speed dramatically reduces a driver's ability to react to hazards and significantly increases the risk of serious injury or death if a crash occurs," Inspector Castle said.
"Provisional drivers are still gaining experience on our roads, and excessive speed places not only the driver, but passengers and other road users, at serious risk.
"Quite frankly, it is terrifying to think that some young drivers are driving at those high-range speeds. A crash at that speed will have tragic consequences."
Other recent driving incidents involving Provisional licence holders include:
• 20-year-old man hooning on Paterson Street, Launceston. His P1 licence was suspended at the time of the offence.
• 19-year-old P1 driver speeding 120km/h in an 80km/h zone at Geilston Bay. The driver had only held his provisional licence for three days.
• Provisional driver detected speeding 36km/h above the posted speed limit at Buckland.
• 27-year-old Provisional licence holder driving at 136km/h in a 100km/h zone on the Tasman Highway.
Police will continue high-visibility and targeted road safety patrols across Tasmania to deter dangerous driving behaviour.
Inspector Castle urged all drivers to watch their speed, and to drive to the conditions.
"Everyone has a part to play in road safety. Not just the drivers, but also passengers who can tell a driver to slow down, and the parents and mentors who can help educate our young drivers about the risks of driving at excess speeds," Inspector Castle said.
Anyone who witnesses dangerous driving is encouraged to report it to police on 131 444, or 000 (triple zero) in an emergency.
