Dunedin police are targeting speeding motorists in their latest operation, which has already resulted in a Taieri Mouth teenager being arrested and charged with illegal street racing.
Operation Road Runner was focused on the Southern Motorway, around Fairfield and Green Island, Sergeant Dave Scott said.
The month-long initiative involved additional police patrols on State Highway 1, and from its inception on June 7 had resulted in the apprehension of dozens of speeding motorists.
On Friday evening, a 17-year-old Taieri Mouth teenager was arrested and charged with illegal street racing after allegedly driving at 164kmh on the motorway, which has a 100kmh speed limit.
"It appears he turned his car lights off in an attempt to avoid police," Sgt Scott said.
The teenager was also charged with dangerous driving.
Hours later, about 3.30am on Saturday, police stopped a vehicle at the Fairfield off-ramp.
The driver, a 24-year-old Mosgiel man, was arrested and charged with drink-driving, possessing cannabis, assaulting police and breaching bail.
Sgt Scott said the accused kicked an arresting male police officer and was taken into custody.
The officer did not require medical treatment.
Speeding was of particular concern to police during winter when road conditions were slippery, Sgt Scott said.
"The way the roads are first thing in the morning and at night, motorists should be reducing speed rather than increasing it. We will have a strong police presence on the motorway over the next month, so if you don't want to give your money to the Government, don't speed," he said.
