P-plater caught at 218km/h near Corio

A 19-year-old driver has lost his licence after allegedly being caught travelling more than double the speed limit on the Princes Freeway near Corio.

State Highway Patrol officers conducting speed detection duties observed a Subaru travelling at an alleged 218km/h in a 100km/h zone just after 11pm on Sunday.

Police caught up with the vehicle in Avalon where they intercepted the driver, a 19-year-old Bundoora man. Two passengers were also inside the car.

The young driver was arrested at the scene and his licence was immediately suspended.

He was later charged with reckless conduct endangering life, reckless conduct endangering serious injury, driving at a speed dangerous, exceeding the speed limit and failing to display P-plates.

The man was bailed and is scheduled to appear at Geelong Magistrates’ Court on 15 May.

Police also impounded the Subaru at a cost of $1325.

Acting Senior Sergeant Chris Hope from State Highway Patrol West said the alleged speed was extremely dangerous and could have easily ended in tragedy.

“Travelling at speeds over 200km/h on a public road are beyond dangerous and can be deadly. At that speed, any small mistake, unexpected hazard, or loss of control can result in a catastrophic crash,” he said.

“With two other occupants in the car, this young driver wasn’t just risking their own life, but the lives of their passengers and every other road user around them.”

“Thankfully police were able to intervene before we witnessed another tragedy on our roads.”

The detection formed part of Operation Arid, a statewide road policing operation conducted over the Labour Day long weekend.

Police said officers would remain highly visible on roads during the operation as they target speeding, impaired driving, fatigue and driver distraction.

Operation Arid began on Friday 6 March and ran until 11.59pm on Monday 9 March.