Tasmania Police are urging all motorists across the state, including those in the Mersey Valley, to slow down and strictly obey speed limits following targeted traffic operations in Southern Tasmania this morning. The operations saw 40 drivers detected speeding in areas including Old Beach, Brighton, and Kingston.

Southern Road Policing Services conducted a two-hour operation between 6:30 am and 8:30 am on the East Derwent Highway, between Otago and Old Beach. During this period, police detected 19 drivers exceeding the 80 km/h speed limit. Among those caught was a provisional driver travelling at 105 km/h, who will receive a fine of $372 and three demerit points. Another driver was detected at 112 km/h, incurring a $639 fine and five demerit points.

A subsequent one-hour operation by Southern Road Policing Services focused on the 40 km/h school zone on Elderslie Road, outside Brighton School. Police reported detecting 11 drivers speeding in this sensitive area. One driver was caught travelling at 72 km/h in the school zone, resulting in a $639 fine and five demerit points.

A third operation, conducted between 7:30 am and 8:30 am on the Huon Highway in Kingston, saw police detect 10 drivers speeding, including one suspended driver.

Acting Inspector Nick Bowden expressed significant disappointment with the results. “These results are extremely disappointing, and put motorists and pedestrians at risk of being killed or seriously injured in crashes on our roads,” he stated. He highlighted recent tragic outcomes on Tasmanian roads, serving as a stark reminder of everyone’s role in preventing crashes.

“There is no excuse for speeding, especially in school zones when our most vulnerable members of the community are going to and from school,” Acting Inspector Bowden added. He emphasised the simple message from police: “slow down and pay attention.”

The Acting Inspector also noted the severe impact of road trauma, stating, “Every death on our roads is one too many, and in the past few days we’ve had four too many people lose their lives.”

Tasmania Police continue to urge all drivers to exercise caution and adhere to posted speed limits to ensure the safety of all road users across the state.