Speed focused operation in Waikato

Waikato Police have a clear warning for speeding truckers, not only do you face a hit in the back pocket if caught but you'll probably have your boss in your ear as well.

District Road Policing Manager, Inspector Leo Tooman, said since legislative change in 2004 that saw heavy motor vehicle speeds standardised to 90km/h there had been a number of crashes involving trucks.

"Excessive speed remains one of the top three contributing factors in the cause of all fatal and injury crashes in the Waikato and speed survey data taken in 2009 shows us over 36% of vehicles exceed the speed limit in 100km/h areas."

Mr Tooman said the risks posed to other motorists and the District's roading infrastructure from speeding heavy motor vehicles meant something had to be done and it was.

"We're currently running an operation targeting all speeding motorists, particularly those behind the wheel of big rigs, its not just Police who are concerned we have the support of the Road Transport Association, the Owner/Driver Association and ACC.

"In the first week of the operation 92 heavy motor vehicles were issued infringement notices for speeds exceeding 90km/h, this figure does not include speed camera tickets and is far too many."

Mr Tooman said truck drivers who had received infringement notices now faced having to explain themselves to their employers.

"The industry see Police as a watchdog. If drivers clock up too many hours or demerit points from speeding then they're creating a workplace hazard which can have repercussions for their employer's ability to ensure a safe work environment."

Mr Tooman said while the main focus of the operation was reducing speeding among drivers of heavy motor vehicles those behind the wheel of smaller vehicles shouldn't get too complacent.

"Excessive speed, no matter what vehicle you're driving, is a killer. Over the same week 168 other drivers were issued tickets for travelling over the 100km/h speed limit, 17 for travelling over 80, 11 over 70, one over 60 and 29 over 50km/h.

"In addition 16 drivers were recorded passing school buses picking up or dropping of children over the 20km/h speed limit. It was a year ago today a young boy was struck down after hoping off a bus near Matamata and we don't ever want to see a repeat of that do we?"

ENDS

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