Highway Patrol units from the Sunshine Coast and Moreton districts have issued 54 fines, with seven of those to motorbike riders allegedly driving between 36 to 54km/p over the limit, during Operation Strategic Motorcycle Enforcement Response (SMER).
From 13 to 14 July, police conducted proactive patrols targeting motorbike riders engaging in risky riding behaviours across the Sunshine Coast and Moreton districts.
Police issued 54 traffic infringement notices (TINs) for a range of offences, including 41 TINs to riders who exceeded the speed limit,11 for crossing double white lines, one for a defective vehicle, and one for not riding with due care.
Sunshine Coast Acting Inspector Matt Robertson said Operation SMER targeted risky behaviours that contribute to serious and fatal crashes.
“Motorbike riders are unfortunately well overrepresented in the lives lost on our roads,” A/Inspector Robertson said.
“In response to that, through operations like SMER, we’re targeting vulnerable road users like motorbike riders and focusing on deterring some of the risky behaviours that contribute to crashes to make our roads safer for everyone.
“As one of the Fatal Five, speeding is a proven contributor to serious and fatal traffic crashes and an offence we’ve sadly seen too much of during this operation.
“Travelling just 5km/h over the speed limit in urban areas are enough to double the risk of a casualty crash.
“We also know the rate of fatal and serious crashes increase in rural and remote areas, thanks to longer travel times at higher speeds and over greater distances, combined with fatigue, two-way roads and highways.
“I urge people to take responsibility for their safety on the road by driving with respect for yourself, the road, and fellow road users.”
A 50-year-old Brighton man was detected allegedly travelling 135km/p in an 80 zone on a Yamaha FJR1300 along Maleny Stanley River Road at Booroobin on 13 July.
He was issued with a TIN for exceed speed limit in speed limited area by more than 40km/h, costing $1919 and eight demerit points.
A 62-year-old North Arm man was detected allegedly travelling 129km/p in an 80 zone on a Ducati 848 along Maleny Stanley River Road at Booroobin on 13 July.
He was issued with a TIN for exceed speed limit in speed limited area by more than 40km/h, costing $1919 and eight demerit points.
