Teen hit speeds of 170km/h on northside freeway

A 19-year-old man who drove at 174km/h on a Brisbane North freeway has been fined $1245.

A 19-year-old who drove at 174km/h on a Brisbane North freeway has been fined $1245.

Jack Oscar Callagher, of Murrumba Downs, pleaded guilty in Sandgate Magistrates Court today to speeding at Bald Hills on December 18, 2019.

The police prosecutor said Callagher was stopped about 11pm that day for driving a motor vehicle at 174km/h in a 100km/h zone on the Gympie Arterial Rd.

Magistrate Jennifer Batts said, “We all know a drivers licence is a great privilege and certainly the consequences of failing to adhere to the rules of the road”.

Queensland Police recently announced there had been a 26 per cent increase in speed camera detection rates as well as disturbingly high speeds across the state.

Road Policing Command Assistant Commissioner Mike Keating said, “Despite a 30 per cent reduction of vehicles on Queensland roads, we are seeing a significant increase in the proportion of speeding drivers”.

“It is very concerning how often our officers and speed camera systems are detecting exceptionally high speeds.

“The risks of speeding have not changed and the faster you go, the more consequence there is if you hit something or someone else.”

Assistant Commissioner Keating said the sharp increase in speed detections could be associated with a misconception of reduced police activity.

“Police are still proactively patrolling road networks and our fixed and mobile trailer cameras are still active to ensure motorists were obeying the road rules,” he said.

“The road rules in Queensland have not changed in any way and motorists exceeding the speed limit can expect to see enforcement action taken by police.”

Recent high speed examples include:

■ 115km/h in a 60km/h zone on Deception Bay Rd at Deception Bay – April 24

■ 140km/h in a 90km/h zone on Maroochydore Rd at Forest Glen – April 23

■ 147km/h in a 100km/h zone on Bruce Highway at Maryborough – April 23

■ 156km/h in a 100km/h zone on Ipswich Motorway at Goodna – April 22

■ 133km/h in 110km/h zone on M1 at Ormeau – April 22

■ 146km/h in 100km/h zone on Bruce Highway, Bernaraby – April 13

■ 112km/h in 80km/h zone on Teviot Rd, South Maclean – April 13