12 motorists to be charged over speeding offences involving heavy vehicles

Another 52-year-old man was also found driving a prime mover along Sheares Avenue on Feb 8 at a speed of 72kmh – more than 20 kmh above the vehicle’s imposed speed limit of 50kmh.

The police said speeding remains one of the main causes of traffic accidents.

“When motorists exceed speed limits, they put themselves at risk and significantly increase the likelihood of severe injuries or death to themselves and other road users in the event of an accident,” they said.

The police added that heavy vehicles with a maximum laden weight (MLW) exceeding 12,000kg must be fitted with working speed limiters.

Since Jan 1, lorries with an MLW of between 3,501kg and 12,000kg are required to install speed limiters. These devices cap their speed at 60kmh.

If found guilty, the 12 motorists could be jailed for up to three months, fined up to $1,000, or both.

A second or subsequent conviction could result in a jail term of up to six months, a fine of up to $2,000, or both. Offenders may also face disqualification from driving all classes of vehicles.

“The Traffic Police will not tolerate motorists who speed or exceed prescribed speed limits, especially heavy vehicles, given the significant damage and harm such vehicles can cause in accidents,” they said.