MoT amazed at speed

Waimarino Bulletin, Issue 7, 2 September 1988, Page 2

MoT amazed at speed

An intensive Ministry of Transport speeding blitz in the Ruapehu region, ended on1 Sunday with officers amazed at the lack of accidents considering the reckless driving. Nine traffic officers were called in to the area for the week-long blitz planned to coincide with the peak of the ski season and the first week of the August School Holidays. While no accidents were reported, traffic officers were very disturbed by some of the speeds clocked over the week. Officers patrolled roads between Raetihi, Waiouru, Turangi, National Park and Taumarunui and made 3 8 arrests. A Wanganui spokesperson said the

highest speed recorded on a patrol car Hawke radar was over 170 kilometres an hour. Traffic Officers were reportedly amazed that, at some of the speeds being driven and the locations, there were no accidents. On only three days of the week were there perfect driving conditions, while during the rest of the week there were high winds, rain and in some areas the occasional snow blizzard.

In one instance when it was snowing heaving, drivers were still being apprehended at speeds of up to 14 8 kilometres an hour. The most commonly used excuse for excessive speeds was that offenders didn't realise they were travelling so fast. The Ministry o f Transport will continue to maintain a high profile on the State Highways through out the remainder of the school holidays.