Police have fined dozens of motorcyclists, including several allegedly driving at extreme speeds, during a two-day crackdown across the Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay.
Highway Patrol units issued 54 traffic infringement notices (TINs) during Operation Strategic Motorcycle Enforcement Response (SMER) on July 13 and 14.
Police issued TINs for a range of offences, including 41 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.
Seven of them were detected allegedly travelling between 36km/h and 55km/h over the speed limit.
A 50-year-old Brighton man was detected allegedly travelling 135km/h in an 80km/h zone on a Yamaha FJR1300 along Maleny Stanley River Road at Booroobin.
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/h in an 80km/h zone on a Ducati 848 along Maleny Stanley River Road at Booroobin.
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.
Sunshine Coast acting inspector Matt Robertson said Operation SMER targeted risky behaviours that contributed to serious and fatal crashes.
“Motorbike riders are unfortunately well overrepresented in the lives lost on our roads,” he 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.
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“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.”
