Police used road spikes to stop a motorist who was allegedly speeding at more than 100 km/h over the limit in the Illawarra, during a five-day statewide road policing operation.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Police alleged the 34-year-old female motorist was detected driving a Mitsubishi Lancer at about 185 km/h in an 80 km/h zone on the M1 at Yallah in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Officers attempted to stop the vehicle but the driver allegedly continued, sparking a pursuit.
Police deployed road spikes and the vehicle stopped on Maldon Bridge Road, near Picton, a short time later.
The woman was charged with police pursuit, driving with an expired licence, and speeding.
She was granted bail to appear at Wollongong Local Court next month.
Over the course of Operation Australia Day 2021, NSW police charged more than 300 people with drink-driving, found 386 drivers with drugs in their system, and fined more than 9200 people for other offences, such as speeding.
The operation concluded at 11.59pm on Australia Day.
"While the poor behaviour of some drivers is disappointing, we're overall encouraged by the behaviour of the vast majority of drivers over the operation," Traffic and Road Policing Commander, Acting Assistant Commissioner Stephen Hegarty, said.
General duties and specialist unit officers also maintained a strong police presence within the community on Australia Day itself, as many people gathered to mark the occasion.
Lake Illawarra police are investigating after attending a Berkeley club about 11.50am on Tuesday and speaking to a number of patrons who were not wearing face masks.
Statewide, police arrested and charged 89 people for such offences as affray, drug possession, assaulting police, and malicious damage, among others.
Two people were charged and another nine were issued penalty infringement notices for breaches of the Public Health Act.
But operation commander, Assistant Commissioner Michael Willing, said police were generally pleased with the overall behaviour of community members.
"While there were a number of incidents that police responded to across the state, the majority of people were well-behaved and enjoyed their celebrations safely and responsibly," Assistant Commissioner Willing said.
Marine safety was also focus of the operation.
Officers from the Marine Area Command conducted 568 breath tests, 90 drug tests, and 587 safety and compliance checks on vessels in NSW waters, with a number of people charged with operating a vessel under the influence.
More news:
We depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.