A learner driver has given police a “crazy” excuse for why he was speeding, among other offences, in western Sydney over the Easter long weekend.
The 20-year-old was pulled over for driving at more than 80km/h in a 50km/h speed limit area in Eastern Creek about 5.35pm on Saturday.
He told police he was driving quickly because the road was “empty”.
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The driver, who had been on his learner’s permit for five months, had two passengers, both with international licences, but was not accompanied by a fully licenced Australian driver.
The young driver’s mobile phone was in a cradle displaying maps, and his car did not have L-plates.
“Learners and provisional drivers are not permitted to have any use of a mobile phone while driving, including for the purpose of maps,” NSW Police said.
The driver was issued penalty notices for exceed speed limit over 30km/h, unaccompanied learner, not display L plates, and using a mobile phone when not permitted.
His learner’s permit was suspended on the spot for three months, and he accrued 22 demerit points.
Details of the offence were posted to NSW Police Traffic and Highway Patrol Command Facebook page, attracting comments from concerned motorists.
“Must be crazy,” one person said.
“Yay, only three months ’til he is back on the road again …” another added.
Eight people died on NSW roads over the Easter long weekend.
Police issued 5,709 speed infringements and conducted 232,092 breath tests — with 295 people charged with drink-driving.
Officers also conducted 17,256 road-side drug tests with 863 positive results.
