SHOALHAVEN Highway Patrol has reminded motorists to obey road work speed zones, especially around the works at South Nowra after Thursday night’s fatal accident on the Princes Highway between BTU and Forest roads.
Commanding Officer of the Shoalhaven Highway Patrol Sergeant Mick Tebbutt has warned drivers to drive to the conditions.
“We are patrolling the road works a fair bit and we make no apology for that,” he said.
Officers are using light up and stationary radars to detect speeding drivers.
“We are just doing our job and motorists have to drive to the conditions that are set out,” he said.
“The speed limit is 60km/h and that has been set by the RMS because of the road works and barricades in the area, which mean the conditions have changed and that’s what motorists have to drive to – the conditions.”
Sgt Tebbutt said his officers have had complaints about patrolling the area and charging motorists breaking the law.
“One officer was abused last week, but motorists have to obey the law,” he said.
“This road is no different to any other, this just has a reduced speed limit due to the changed conditions.
“We are not just nabbing drivers 10km/h over the limit. We have been registering some big readings – we have had a number of drivers 30km/h over.
“We even had one driver last week detected at 45km/h above the limit.
“The area is extremely well signposted, and there is no excuse for drivers to be breaking the speed limit.
“There are numerous signs along the road work area as well as large flashing signs.”
He said for the continuation of the road works motorists could expect to see a heavy police presence on the highway stretch.
Last year the Shoalhaven region had six fatalities, however already in 2013 there have been three.