Tourists hit speeds of 148km/h
Two vehicles of Chinese tourists, allegedly clocked at 148km/h and, at times, driving on the wrong side of the road are one example of many people caught speeding around Omarama recently.
Oamaru police Community Constable Bruce Dow said the tourists, travelling together in identical 4x4 vehicles, sped past him just after 1pm on Monday.
Mr Dow said they initially failed to stop for flashing lights and sirens, travelling around a series of corners at speeds reaching 148km/h.
"Both of the vehicles were on the wrong side of the road [at times]," Mr Dow said.
They eventually stopped near the Omarama cemetery and were issued fines of $630 for exceeding the speed limit and $150 for failing to stay on the left-hand side of the road.
The drivers were also suspended from driving and would need to pay the fines before they left the country on January 11.
On January 3, at 6pm, Mr Dow stopped a vehicle travelling south near Glenbrook Station at 125km/h.
At 6.30pm on Monday, Mr Dow stopped the same vehicle, about 2km south of where it was stopped on January 3, this time travelling north, for allegedly travelling at 125km/h again.
On January 4, Mr Dow also clocked a disqualified driver travelling at 140km/h in the Omarama area.
"It's the straight, flat roads. People are getting tired, they want to get to Wanaka and Queenstown, or they want to get to Christchurch," he said.
But Mr Dow warned drivers travelling through the Omarama area to keep within the speed limit - he'll be watching.
