‘Behave like criminals and will be dealt with as criminals’: What’s riled up state’s top cop

The state’s top cop has lashed about a particular cohort of people, saying their “dangerous behaviour” puts innocent lives at risk.

The South Australian police commissioner has slammed speeding motorists after four people were caught travelling more than 50km/h over the speed limit in less than 48 hours.

Grant Stevens condemned the behaviour on Thursday night, saying the dangers posed from extreme speeding should not be underestimated.

“There is a cohort of our community that chooses to deliberately engage in reckless, dangerous behaviour on our roads, with no concern for the risk they pose to themselves, their passengers and other innocent road users,” Mr Stevens said.

“Make no mistake these people behave like criminals and will be dealt with as criminals.

“(SA Police) will dedicate all appropriate resources to catching and charging people who recklessly endanger lives on our roads in this way.

“These people need to understand that this behaviour will not be tolerated.”

Police Commissioner Grant Stevens has slammed drivers travelling at extreme speeds. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Naomi Jellicoe

Under recent SA law, driving at an “extreme speed” is classified as a criminal offence, with those reaching such speeds bring charged and tried in court rather than receiving a fine.

There have been 66 motorists charged with the offence since the law was implemented in December 2021.

Extreme speed under the laws means a driven or ridden vehicle exceeding the 60km/h or less speed limit by 55km/h or more.

It also applies to those who exceed the speed limit by 80km/h or more when the limit is 60km/h or more.

The law grants police the power to impound vehicles and motorcycles and those who are convicted can be jailed for up three years.

Offenders also face a loss of licence for a mandatory minimum of two years for a first offence, which can be increased to five years for a subsequent offence.

In less that 24 hours, four people were caught travelling at extreme speeds. Picture: News Regional Media

On Tuesday alone, four people were caught travelling at extreme speeds with the assistance of SA Police helicopters.

One person was detected riding a motorbike at more than 160km/h – 100km/h over the speed limit – while travelling along South Rd at Welland in Adelaide’s west at about 11.30am.

Another motorcyclist was caught riding at 150km/h in a 60km/h zone in Salisbury Downs in Adelaide’s north.

SA Police have since released new footage and are appealing to the public for assistance with these or any other incidents of extreme speed.

Those with information are asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or go online.