POLICE have warned they will target speeding drivers this month, as part of a multi-agency road safety strategy. 

Acting Traffic Operations Superintendent Rod Anderson says drivers who wilfully speed were playing Russian roulette with their own lives, the lives of other drivers and passengers, and the lives of children, pedestrians and cyclists.

“The fact is many fatal and serious traffic crashes that occur on Canberra roads each year are directly attributable to motorists who exceed the posted speed limit,” he says.

“Speeding reduces the time drivers have to react and avoid crashes, their ability to control the vehicle and lengthens stopping distances, increasing both the likelihood of crashing and the severity of the crash outcome.

“The message is simple, don’t speed. Otherwise you may find yourself with heavy fines, loss of your driver’s license or even imprisoned. More importantly help us make our roads safer.”

ACT Police officers issued 7,128 Traffic Infringement Notices for speeding in 2012. Some 112 fines were issued to drivers caught exceeding the speed limit by more than 45km/h.

Fines for speeding range from a minimum of $167 and the loss of one demerit point to over $1,800 and the loss of six demerit points for each offence.