Teenage learner driver caught at 150km/h on Canterbury motorway

A teenager driving unaccompanied on their learner licence has been caught travelling at more than 150km/h on a Canterbury motorway stretch.

Senior Sergeant Richard Carolan said the driver was going “more than one and a half times over the speed limit” on the Northern Corridor in mid-October.

The posted speed limit on this part of the highway is 100km/h.

“To be over this by more than half is shocking,” Carolan said.

“This type of dangerous driving is extremely thoughtless. You are not just putting your own life at risk, but everyone else on the road who are doing the right thing and following the road rules.”

The 17-year-old has been referred to Youth Aid and their licence has been suspended.

Carolan said police were “all too familiar with some of the devastating outcomes of dangerous driving”.

“I am relieved that we were able to stop this vehicle before a tragedy stopped it for us,” he said.

“Everyone deserves to get home safely, and we are urging motorists to take a moment and think about everyone else on the road before participating in unsafe driving.

“We will continue to target dangerous and unsafe driving, and motorists can expect to see us anywhere, anytime.”

A teenager driving unaccompanied on their learner licence was caught travelling at 150km/h on Christchurch's Northern Corridor.

Police said anyone who witnesses dangerous driving that is happening now is urged to call 111.

Non-urgent information can be provided through 105, either online or over the phone.