M1 speeding: P-plater allegedly clocked doing almost 200km/h

An 18-year-old P-plater has been charged by police after allegedly being caught driving on the M1 at death-defying speeds. Full details.

An 18-year-old P-plater is facing a dangerous driving charge after being clocked doing 170km/h on the M1.

The man’s car was tracked by a police helicopter travelling at high speed along Smith St in Southport shortly after 11pm on Saturday night.

Highway patrol officers subsequently recorded the vehicle allegedly travelling at 170km/h on the M1, although police said it is believed he allegedly reached speeds of close to 200km/h.

“He actually got off at the Smith St exit, slowed down for the speed camera, went through that and sped up again,” Superintendent Peter Miles claimed.

Police alleged the 18-year-old P-plater reached speeds of close to 200km/h.

The driver allegedly turned off the lights on his car when he noticed highway patrol officers were behind him, adding to the concern of police.

“He turned his lights off at one stage when police were actually in behind him,” Supt Miles alleged.

“At one point prior to police intervention it was closer to 200km/h according to the helicopter,” he alleged.

“That type of alleged driving, for an 18-year-old who is on a P-plate, is ridiculous. It would be life-threatening not only for that driver, but also anyone else who is anywhere around him.

“It just takes a sudden change of lanes or someone to step out from a pedestrian crossing, and that will change lives forever.”

The P-plater was intercepted by police at Days Rd in Upper Coomera at 11.24pm.

He was charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and will appear at Southport Magistrates Court on May 15.

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Originally published as M1 speeding: P-plater allegedly clocked doing almost 200km/h