Teen learner driver referred to Youth Aid after high-speed motorway incident

A 17-year-old learner driver has had their licence suspended after being caught travelling at more than 150km/h on a Christchurch motorway. The driver was travelling unaccompanied on the Northern Corridor in mid-October. The vehicle was recorded going more than one and a half times the 100km/h posted speed limit.

Police officers were performing routine speed checks when they intercepted the vehicle. The teenager has been referred to Youth Aid following the incident.

Christchurch road policing team leader Senior Sergeant Richard Carolan described the speed as shocking. "This type of dangerous driving is extremely thoughtless," Carolan said. He expressed relief that police intervened before a tragedy occurred.

Police have stated they will continue to target dangerous driving. Motorists who witness dangerous driving in progress are urged to call 111. Non-urgent information can be reported via 105 or online.

Where reports differ

• One report describes the speed as 150km/h, while others describe it as more than one and a half times the 100km/h limit

Compiled from reports by The Press, Stuff, Otago Daily Times, 1News and NZ Herald.