ACT drivers on naughty list after spate of bad behaviour over Christmas

Allegations of speeding, furious driving and drug driving have put Canberrans on the ACT Policing naughty list over the break.

ACT Policing is seeking witnesses and dash-cam footage of a furious driving incident in Taylor on Christmas Day.

About 11:15 am on Monday, 25 December, police allege an incident occurred between a white Mazda CX9 and a green Mazda 3.

The incident, which lasted about 10 minutes, commenced in the vicinity of Ken Herde Crescent, Taylor, and continued throughout several streets in the suburb.

Police allege the CX9 rammed the Mazda 3, causing minor damage, as well as tailgating the Mazda 3, and swerving in front of it before braking heavily.

The incident was reported to police about 12:45 pm, and the driver of the CX9 – a 39-year-old Dunlop woman, was subsequently arrested and charged with furious driving.

Police would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident between to two vehicles, or who may have dash-cam footage of the incident.

At about 8:10 pm on Sunday, 24 December 2023, police were conducting speed enforcement on the Majura Parkway when they detected a red Mazda 3 travelling at 137 km/h in the sign posted 100 km/h zone.

Police stopped the vehicle and the driver, a 17-year-old boy from Gungahlin who was driving on his provisional licence, was issued with an infringement notice for exceeding the speed limit by greater than 30 km/h but not more than 45 km/h.

This offence attracts a fine of $700 and eight demerit points, resulting in a loss of licence.

The driver was also issued an infringement notice for not displaying ‘P’ plates, which carries a further penalty of $213.

A short time later, at about 8:40 pm, police were conducting further speed enforcement on Horse Park Drive, Throsby when they detected a white Honda sedan travelling at 137 km/h in the sign posted 80 km/h zone.

The driver, a 19-year-old Crace man driving on his ‘Ps’, was issued an Immediate Suspension Notice (ISN), suspending his licence for 90 days for exceeding the speed limit by more than 45 km/h.

He will also receive a fine of $1841.00.

In a further incident, about 8:10 pm on Saturday, 23 December, police observed a silver Mercedes sedan allegedly being driven displaying stolen Queensland registration plates on Gungahlin Drive, Kaleen.

Police caused the vehicle to stop, and spoke with the driver, a 32-year-old Coombs man, who was allegedly driving on a suspended learner licence.

Subsequent checks on the vehicle found it was unregistered and uninsured, while the driver also allegedly returned a positive roadside drug screening.

The man was arrested, and will face the ACT Magistrates Court at a later date for offences including drug driving , possession of stolen property, displaying incorrect registration plates, using an unregistered and uninsured vehicle, and being a suspended driver.

Police will be out in force on the roads in the lead-up to New Year’s Eve, and would like to remind the community that double demerits remain in place until 11:59 pm on Monday, 1 January 2024.

Anyone with information that could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website.  Information can be provided anonymously.