Police have detected six drivers allegedly travelling more than 40 km/h over the speed limit in two days across the Moreton and Sunshine Coast districts, under Operation SMER which stands for Strategic Motorcycle Enforcement Response.
Officers from Sunshine Coast and Moreton North Highway Patrol units conducted proactive patrols of the Maleny, Peachester and Wootha areas on 18 October and Mt Mee range, Woodford and Kilcoy areas on 19 October, to reduce road trauma involving motorbikes.
The high visibility and covert patrols targeted specific areas that are known for speed-related crashes.
Police issued 83 traffic infringement notices (TINs) over the two days with a majority being issued to motorbike riders, including six TINs for high-speed offences ranging from 41 km/h to 92 km/h over the speed limit.
Other offences detected included crossing double white lines, driving a defective vehicle, driving unlicenced, and drug driving.
On 18 October, police intercepted a Ducati Streetfighter V4 S allegedly travelling at 172 km/h in 80 km/h zone on Manley Stanley River Road in Booroobin.
The rider, a 48-year-old Wurtulla man, had his drivers licence suspended and was issued three TINs for drive defective vehicle that does not comply with vehicle standards, exceed speed limit in speed limited area by more than 40km/h, and fail to keep left of double continuous dividing lines, costing 12 demerit points and $2,385.
North Coast Region Assistant Commissioner (A/C) Darryl Johnson said, this Motorcycle Awareness Month, we are reminding every road user that your choices on the road could save a life or take one.
"With 23.5% of all lives lost on Queensland roads so far this year involving motorcycles, this operation reinforces safe riding principles," A/C Johnson said.
"Motorcycle riders are among our most vulnerable road users and everyone has a role to play in making our roads safer, including motorbike riders taking responsibility for their own safety.
"During the two days of targeted patrols, we received positive feedback from the community in relation to seeing additional police presence on the roads.
"It's our priority that our community is safe and feels safe on our roads."
Earlier: Operation SMER, Moreton and Sunshine Coast – Queensland Police News
The Queensland Police Service is committed to reducing the number of lives lost on our roads.
Data shows that serious crashes can be significantly reduced when drivers recognise and avoid the 'Fatal Five' behaviours: speeding, drink and drug driving, not wearing seatbelts, fatigue and distraction.
Road safety is everyone's responsibility. Learn more about staying safe on Queensland roads: https://www.police.qld.gov.au/initiatives/fatal-five-staying-safe-roads
