A DRIVER has lost his licence for six months after allegedly doubling the speed limit in the upper Hunter while trying "to stretch the legs" of his four-wheel drive.
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Traffic and Highway Patrol officers attached to the Hunter Valley police district were monitoring the speed of passing motorists on Segenhoe Road at Segenhoe on Monday when they stopped the driver.
Police said they attended the road due to "numerous" complaints of vehicles speeding through the area, which had been busier than usual in the wake of snow falling on the Barrington Tops.
Officers stopped a Jeep Grand Cherokee about 10.55am on the public holiday after it was allegedly detected doing 163km/h in a signposted 80km/h zone.
Police said the speed of the vehicle, which contained the male driver and a female passenger, was confirmed on a radar device.
"During conversation with the driver he informed police that it was a fast vehicle and he was just trying to stretch its legs," police said in a statement.
The driver, a 57-year-old Sydney man, received a penalty notice for exceeding the speed limit by more than 45km/h. The offence carries a $2520 fine.
In addition to having his licence suspended, the driver also had the vehicle's registration cancelled for three months.
Matt Carr
Matt began his Newcastle Herald career as a cadet in 2009. He is a Walkley nominated reporter who has covered councils, police and general news rounds across the Upper Hunter, Port Stephens, Maitland, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock and Newcastle. Now his focus is on digital storytelling and breaking news.
Matt began his Newcastle Herald career as a cadet in 2009. He is a Walkley nominated reporter who has covered councils, police and general news rounds across the Upper Hunter, Port Stephens, Maitland, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock and Newcastle. Now his focus is on digital storytelling and breaking news.
