1. ACT public disappoints again, this time in school zones:
- A total of 39 motorists have been detected by ACT Policing speeding in school zones during a targeted operation conducted in a number of Canberra suburbs this morning (February 11).
The motorists were detected between 8.00am and 10.00am (February 11) in 40km/h school zones in Bruce, Phillip, Narrabundah and Red Hill.
Acting Superintendent Traffic Operations Peter Davis said these figures are too high and police will continue to conduct high visibility targeting of school zones to substantially reduce the number of speeding drivers.
“It is disappointing that a number of the drivers identified today were parents dropping their children to school. There is no excuse for this. These parents know the area, they know where the school zones are and they know the speed limit,” A/Supt Davis said.
“School zone speed limits exist to ensure the safety of our children and it baffles me that in some cases it is the parents of these very children that are putting their lives at risk,” he said.
“The 40km/h school speed limit during school hours is designed to ensure that motorists slow down, stay observant and have sufficient time to stop safely when required. Until motorists heed this message we will continue to conduct operations such as this to ensure the safety of school children and other road users.”
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2. Less alcohol involved in car accidents:
- Seventy-two (72) drivers were found to have an excessive blood-alcohol reading after having a blood sample taken following their involvement as a driver in a collision between July 1, 2008 and January 31, 2009.
This compares to 77 for the same period in 2007/2008.
ACT Policing’s Traffic Operations Acting Superintendent Peter Davis said this just reinforces the message that drink-driving seriously adds to the chance of a collision.
“Too many people are prepared to get behind the wheel after drinking. It is not acceptable. As you can see from these statistics, drink-driving critically increases the likelihood of a collision,” A/Supt Davis said.
“It comes down to the need for everyone to bear responsibility for their actions and to recognise how anti-social behaviour and the over-consumption of alcohol have an impact on personal safety, and that of friends, family and the community.
“I urge all Canberrans to plan their nights out and if they’re enjoying a drink then catch a taxi or arrange for a designated driver, and when getting into a car ensure the driver is sober.”
On a positive note, the number of drivers who returned a positive blood alcohol reading in the two month period December 2008/January 2009 was 14. This compares to 23 for the equivalent period in the last financial year. This is a substantial fall and indicates that ACT Policing’s intensive campaign against this crime is having an effect in keeping our roads safer.
ACT Policing will continue to be on the lookout for intoxicated drivers all over the capital including across the border into New South Wales throughout 2009.
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- ACT Policing is investigating an attempted armed robbery that occurred at a hair salon in Lyons earlier this afternoon (February 12).
About 1pm, a man entered the Hair Connection salon at the Lyons shops, threatened staff with a knife and demanded money from the register. No money was handed over and the man was last seen heading down Devonport Street towards Port Arthur Street.
The male offender is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 183cm (6 feet) tall, of slim build and has sandy brown coloured hair.
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If you can help police contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers website at www.act.crimestoppers.com.au.
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