Hoons in NW, Drive-By Shooting in South

Media release – Tasmania Police, 18 May 2023

P-Plater Caught Speeding Twice Limit on Enforcement Day

A P-plater was caught driving more than double the speed limit in Burnie yesterday, as part of Tasmania Police’s National Road Safety Week Enforcement Day of Action.

Tasmania Police State Road Safety Coordinator Gary Williams said Western Road Policing Services officers were carrying out several traffic operations across the district when they detected the Holden Commodore ute travelling at a speed of 132km/h in a 60km/h zone on West Mooreville Road.

“Police intercepted the car and found the driver to be a 17-year-old on his P1 licence,” he said.

“This excessive speeding occurred in a residential area, and the dangers are obvious.”

“The vehicle has been clamped and he will be proceeded against for speeding and hooning offences, which can carry heavy fines and lengthy disqualifications from driving.”

“Unfortunately this wasn’t the only example of dangerous and risky road behaviour police detected during the Day of Action, with 98 other speeding offences, one drink driver, ten positive drug tests, three seat belt related offences and 12 mobile phone offences detected across Tasmania in the 24 hour period.”

“Of course the Day of Action is not the end of our traffic enforcement efforts, and police will continue to patrol roads across the state both day and night.”

“Just this morning we had another high visibility roadside operation taking place in Hobart alongside Transport Safety and Investigation Officers from the Department of State Growth.”

“This operation was focused on ensuring vehicles are roadworthy, which is particularly important with winter fast approaching.”

“Make sure your vehicle is safe to drive in inclement weather, take the time to check tyre treads are sufficient, headlights, brake lights and tail lights are operating correctly, and if necessary, have your heater and de-mister serviced.”

“For a long time we have been trying to bring home the message that road safety is everyone’s responsibility, and we all need to work together and follow the rules to drive down our road toll and prevent people being seriously injured in crashes.”

“Already this year we’ve had 12 people lose their lives on Tasmanian roads, and we’ve had about 140 people seriously injured in crashes.”

“It’s not good enough.”

Tasmanians are encouraged to take the National Road Safety Week pledge to Drive So Others Survive online at roadsafetyweek.com.au.

Two men charged in relation to firearms and evade incidents

Police have charged two men in relation to separate firearms and evade incidents in Greater Hobart yesterday afternoon.

The firearms incident occurred in Glenorchy about 2pm yesterday, and police believe the matter was targeted.

No one was physically injured in the incident.

A coordinated police operation involving the Westpac Rescue Helicopter resulted in a 34-year-old West Moonah man being charged with several firearms related offences.

Two firearms have been seized by police.

A 27-year-old man has also been charged with motor vehicle stealing and driving offences in relation to an evade involving a stolen motorcycle.

Anyone with dash-cam footage that captures a dark motorcycle, driving dangerously between 2pm and 3.30pm, in the northern suburbs of Hobart yesterday is encouraged to contact police.

Community members with information about the firearms incident should contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers at crimestopperstas.com.au and quote OR713411. Information can be provided anonymously.