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Novocastrians urged to drive safely after multiple licences suspended

Tuesday, 06 May 2025 03:05:28 PM

Newcastle Highway Patrol are urging the local community to drive safely after eight drivers had their licence suspended at the weekend.

Between Friday 2 May 2025 and Sunday 4 May 2025, Newcastle Highway Patrol officers identified several drivers allegedly speeding or under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

Of those eight drivers, five were allegedly detected travelling at a speed greater than 45km/h over the sign posted speed limit:

  • About 2pm on Friday 2 May 2025, officers detected a car allegedly travelling at a speed of 159km/h in a signposted 90mh/h zone on the Newcastle Inner City Bypass at Gateshead. The driver, a 39-year-old man, underwent a roadside drug test which allegedly returned a positive result. He was issued an infringement notice for class A motor vehicle exceed speed limit - over 45 km/h, had his licence suspended for six months, and the vehicle’s registration plates were seized. A secondary oral fluid test will be sent for analysis. Inquiries continue.

  • About 4.12pm on Friday 2 May 2025, officers detected a motorcycle allegedly travelling at a speed of 168km/h in a signposted 90km/h zone on the Newcastle Inner City Bypass at Shortland. The learner rider, a 17-year-old boy, was issued an infringement notice for learner driver exceed speed limit – over 45km/h, had his licence suspended for six months, and the motorcycle's registration plates were seized.

  • About 11.20pm on Saturday 3 May 2025, officers attempted to stop a motorcycle on Raymond Terrace Road, Metford, for random testing. When the rider allegedly failed to stop, a pursuit was initiated, resulting in an alleged detected speed of 130km/h in a signposted 50km/h zone. The rider, a 25-year-old man, stopped and spoke with police. His licence was suspended, and he was issued a court attendance notice for the charge of police pursuit – speed dangerous. He will face court on Wednesday 16 July 2025.

  • About 12.10am on Sunday 4 May 2025, officers detected a motorcycle allegedly travelling at a speed of 153km/h in a 60km/h roadworks zone. The provisional rider, an 18-year-old man, was issued with an infringement notice for P1 driver exceed speed limit - over 45 km/h, had his licence suspended for six months, and the motorcycle's registration plates were seized.

  • About 3.20pm on Sunday 4 May 2025, officers detected an SUV allegedly travelling at a speed of 139km/h in a signposted 90mh/h on the Newcastle Inner City Bypass at Shortland. The driver, a 32-year-old man, was issued an infringement notice for class A motor vehicle exceed speed limit - over 45 km/h, and had his licence suspended for six months.

In addition, Newcastle Highway Patrol suspended the licences of three drivers allegedly under the influence of alcohol at the weekend, one of which was an unaccompanied learner.

Newcastle Hunter Sector Highway Patrol Inspector Fatih Samsa said officers are committed to ensuring the safety of the community on local roads.

"People should be able to use our roads safely and not be placed at risk by illegal and dangerous driving. Our priority is to protect the lives of everyone on the road," he said.

"Dangerous driving and driving under the influence puts lives at risk – the lives of other Novocastrians who should be able to use our roads safely.

"We want everyone in Newcastle and right across NSW to arrive safely, which is why those who break the law can expect to be held accountable."