A 55 year-old male driver of a Hino coaster bus mobile home has failed to slow down when approaching the damaged Edith River Bridge, the driver ignored all signage, drove through at over double the posted speed limit of 40 kmh and then failed to stop when directed to by Police. He continued for a further three kilometres before bringing the mobile home to a stop.

The man was arrested and later returned a blood alcohol concentration reading of 0.204%.

The driver appeared in Katherine Court of Summary Jurisdiction this morning and pleaded guilty to high range drink driving, exceeding the speed limit and failing to obey directions of police.  He was fined a total of $1400 and disqualified from driving for 12 months. 

Officer in Charge of the Katherine Police Station, Senior Sergeant Gavin Kennedy said the area around the Edith River bridge is essentially one big construction site.

“Katherine Police are concerned as to why so many drivers are choosing to add to the existing hazards, there are far too many drivers not adhering to the sign-posted and flashing 40 kmh speed limit signs and stopping on the bridge when signs clearly tell them not to.”

 Senior Sergeant Kennedy said NT Police will be maintaining a constant presence in the area due to the poor driver behaviour shown so far and cautioned that driver awareness needs to improve.

“Drivers on the Stuart Highway between Katherine and Darwin need to understand that in the absence of the rail network heavy vehicle traffic has increased dramatically.

“There is also a significant amount of heavy vehicles between Katherine and Pine Creek due to the restoration works for the Stuart Highway and Edith River rail bridge.  Drivers need to be patient and plan their trip accordingly.”  Senior Sergeant Kennedy finished.