By Tania Martin
POLICE are calling for motorists to take their foot off the accelerator and stop speeding.
Yarra Ranges Traffic Management Unit (TMU) Sergeant John Morgan said police have recorded some shocking examples of speeding in the Yarra Ranges over the past month.
Sgt Morgan says people will continue to be killed on the roads if motorists don’t slow down.
He said one motorcyclist was recorded driving at more than 160 kilometres in a 70 kilometres per hour on Wednesday, 7 February, along the so-called mad mile which extends from Ferntree Gully to Belgrave along Burwood Highway.
Sgt Morgan said in the same week police intercepted a motorcycles travelling in excess of 176 kmh along the Reefton Spur, which is the road that runs between Warburton and Marysville.
He said a 30-year-old man driving a ute was also recorded travelling at more than 170 kmh in a 90 kmh zone along Warburton Highway near Seville.
Sgt Morgan said the man had been seen driving erratically along the Warburton Highway and was caught speeding in all four speed zones along the highway.
“He sped through all four speed zones – the 50, 60, 70 and 90 kilometre zones,” Sgt Morgan said.
“He will be charged with numerous driving offence – it was like he was going for a hamburger with the lot.”
Sgt Morgan said motorists who take their own lives at risk are risking the lives of all road users.
“Driving at that speed you could blow a tyre and not only kill yourself but take out an innocent family,” he said
Sgt Morgan said the majority of road users are doing the right thing – it is a select few who are taking lives into their own hands.
He said police would be out in force in an effort to curb the excessive speeds that are being recorded and warns people that if they speed they will get booked.
