Police from Western Road and Public Order Services are reminding motorists of the importance of driving to the speed limit after two drivers were detected travelling 50km/h above the limit on the Ridgley Highway on the North West Coast.

On 7 February, around 12.30pm, a Blue Holden Commodore was detected travelling at 159km/h. The driver, a 45-year-old Burnie man, tested positive to a roadside drug test and provided an oral fluid sample for analysis. He will appear in court for unlicensed driving, excessive speed and drug driving pending the analysis results. His car was clamped indefinitely.

On 17 February, around 8.45am, a green Subaru was detected travelling at 155km/h. The driver, a 43-year-old Waratah man, will appear in court for excessive speed and driving an unroadworthy car. His car was clamped for 28 days.

“Speeding, especially excessively, is a high-risk behaviour which puts drivers and other road users at risk of serious injury and death on our roads,” said Sergeant James Scicluna.

“When you combine speeding while under the influence of drugs, it’s incredibly dangerous and the chances of a crash are significantly increased.

“So far this month, 17 high speed [30km+], 37 seatbelt and 28 mobile phone offences have been detected by members of Western RPOS which is disappointing in terms of driver behaviour on the North West Coast.

“We would like to remind motorists that all speed limits, including road-work zones, must be adhered to at all times for the safety of road users, and those zones will continue to be monitored by police.”

Anyone who witnesses unsafe or dangerous driving can report it to police on 131 444 or anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.