RAA data reveals Barossa leading SA Police fine stats

Some roads are tougher than others, and so are the cops who patrol them. New data shows where you’re most likely to cop a fine instead of warning.

New data reveals where speeding motorists are more likely to get caught and fined instead of cautioned in some of the state’s regions, prompting experts to plea for driver safety.

The SA Police data shows nearly 120,000 fines and cautions have been issued over the past three financial years, reaping $47.6m.

Speeding motorists in the Barossa Valley local service area (LSA) were most likely to be fined, with 79.4 per cent of 11,500 infringements resulting in expiations.

It was followed by the Murray Mallee LSA with 76.4 per cent of its 18,813 infringements and the Far North with 75.5 per cent of 11,262 infringements, resulting in fines.

The three LSAs brought in a combined $17.8m in fine revenue.

A speeding driver was clocked at nearly 200 km/h on the Princes Highway, Wellington East. Picture: SA Police

RAA senior safety and infrastructure manager Charles Mountain said it was unsurprisingly more fines were being issued in regional areas – where most fatal crashes occurred.

“In regional areas the traffic flow is unimpeded by other vehicles and it can be a challenge to ensure drivers keep to speed limits when passing through regional towns,” Mr Mountain said.

“At the end of the day what we want is for people to comply with the speed limits as they’re there for a reason.”

A police spokeswoman added two out of three lives lost on South Australian roads were in regional areas, with speed a factor in many of the deaths.

“Higher speeds on regional roads and highways increases the risk of road trauma, as well as reaction times and stopping distances,” she said.

“Speed limits are set for the safety of all road users – so stick to the limit.”

In the greater Adelaide region, drivers in the southern district were more likely to be fined, with 75.2 per cent of its 11,444 infringements resulting in expiations.

A teenage driver was caught speeding at 166km/h on the Southern Expressway. Picture: SA Police

However, speeding motorists in the western district were just as likely to be issued a caution, with 48.1 per cent of its 7691 infringements resulted in warnings – which were recorded on driving records.

Drivers in the Eyre Western and Hills Fleurieu LSA’s were also just as likely to be cautioned, accounting for 51.4 per cent and 53.4 per cent of their respective driving infringements.

Police officers use their discretion in determining whether a motorist is fined or cautioned, with the speed detected, a motorist’s previous record and presence of other road users all considered.

Mr Mountain implored motorists to be safe heading into the festive season and obey speed limits, especially where they have been changed for road conditions or works.