Unmarked police motorcycles to make our roads safer

Mark Shelton,Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management

The Hodgman Liberal Government strongly supports Tasmania Police in its efforts to target high risk driving behaviours to help make our roads safer for everyone.

Today we can announce that unmarked police motorcycles have been deployed state-wide following a successful trial.

This contemporary patrol method allows the unmarked motorcycle to penetrate traffic by lane filtering and is primarily used to detect offences like speeding, mobile phone usage, inattention, traffic light offences and blocking intersections.

The initial trial in Hobart detected more than 1000 offences in the first three months with the majority being high risk offences and 1-in-4 being a mobile phone offence.

The unmarked motorcycles are fitted with full lights and sirens and three different models of motorcycle will be used.

Motorcycle officers report that there has been a noticeable change in driver behaviour and the introduction of helmet-mounted recording cameras has led to only one person challenging an infringement.

The program has also received strong public support with many motorists supportive of mobile phone enforcement and other offences that contribute to traffic congestion.

The Hodgman Liberal Government will continue to work with Tasmania Police to reduce irresponsible driving behaviours that can lead to serious crashes and injuries.

We urge all Tasmanians to adhere to the road rules, drive to the conditions, put your mobile phone away and wear your seatbelt.

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