Crackdown on beach speeding

Dozens of people have been cautioned for driving above the 15km/h limit on Cable Beach during a police and Shire of Broome speed blitz, with one driver clocked driving at 55km/h.

Police said 35 vehicles travelling in excess of the speed limit had received verbal warnings as part of an education campaign launched by the joint taskforce.

TheBroome Advertiser last week revealed police and Shire of Broome rangers were about to get tough on speeding vehicles using the famous stretch of coastline after a pet dog was run over and killed and several “near misses” involving beachgoers were reported.

The speed checks on Sunday signalled the start of ongoing operations from Cable Beach to Gantheaume Point targeting hoons, speeding vehicles and drink-driving.

A Shire ranger and two police officers headed the first operation on the sand of the tourist season. Shire manager health, emergency and ranger services Ty Matson, said the highest speed recorded was 40km/h above the limit.

He said offenders were given verbal warnings and their details were taken by police and the ranger.

“The usual penalty for exceeding the 15km/h speed limit is a $125 fine and the Shire will issue infringements where appropriate,” he said.

“The purpose of the speed limit and penalty is to keep the beach safe for everybody, and is especially important as our beaches become busier and more popular with families and children.”

Kimberley district traffic co-ordinator Sergeant Steve Kent said the anti-speeding campaign aimed to try to get people to slow down and enjoy access to the beach in a safe manner.

“We have had some instances of near misses, but also a dog was killed recently and a big part of that was the vehicle was travelling well and truly over the 15km/h speed limit,” he said.