Two Cars Impounded for Racing in Patterson Lakes

Download IPFS

Somerville Highway Patrol has impounded two vehicles in Patterson Lakes after officers allegedly caught them racing at nearly double the speed limit on the Mornington Peninsula Freeway early Friday morning.

The incident took place at around 2:11 a.m., when police observed the two cars travelling side by side at an estimated speed of 191 km/h in a 100 km/h zone. Officers quickly intercepted both vehicles, preventing what authorities described as potentially catastrophic consequences.

Vehicles and Drivers Identified

The cars involved were a 2025 BMW 230i Coupe and a 2009 Audi TT, both of which were immediately impounded under Victoria’s anti-hoon legislation. Each impound carried a fee of $1,091.90, payable by the drivers.

Police confirmed the drivers as a 24-year-old man from Elwood and a 42-year-old man from Noble Park. Both men were issued charges on summons, including:

• Driving at a dangerous speed
  
• Exceeding the posted speed limit
  
• Taking part in a motor vehicle race on a highway
  

The drivers are expected to appear before a Magistrates’ Court at a later date, where they may face further penalties, including licence suspension or cancellation, alongside significant fines.

Police Message to Drivers

Victoria Police emphasised that high-speed racing on public roads poses a major risk not only to those directly involved but also to other road users. Authorities reiterated that excessive speed remains one of the leading causes of fatal and serious collisions in Victoria.

“Driving at 191 kilometres an hour on a public freeway is reckless and incredibly dangerous. The risk of losing control at that speed is extreme, and the consequences could have been devastating,” a Victoria Police spokesperson said.

Officers noted that such behaviour is particularly concerning in the early hours of the morning, when drivers may believe lighter traffic reduces the danger. Police stressed that the risk of collisions, serious injury, and death remains significant regardless of road conditions.

Ongoing Enforcement Campaigns

The incident forms part of an ongoing enforcement focus on Victoria’s major highways, where police continue to crack down on hoon driving, speeding, and reckless racing.

Authorities have made it clear that vehicle impoundments, combined with strict court proceedings, serve as both a punishment and a deterrent. The aim, according to police, is to send a strong message that dangerous driving behaviours will not be tolerated.

Recent enforcement campaigns have included random patrols, unmarked police vehicles, and the use of advanced speed detection technology. These strategies have been deployed to target motorists who deliberately flout road rules and endanger the wider community.

Community Involvement

Victoria Police also encouraged members of the public to play a role in promoting safer roads by reporting reckless or suspicious driving behaviour. Tips from the community have been credited with helping authorities respond quickly to incidents before they escalate.

“Keeping our roads safe requires both strong enforcement and community cooperation,” the spokesperson added. “If you see dangerous driving, we want to know about it.”

A Reminder of Road Safety Risks

The Patterson Lakes incident is the latest reminder of the consequences drivers may face when engaging in illegal racing or excessive speeding. While both men involved avoided immediate injury, authorities warned that similar behaviour in the past has often resulted in fatalities.

Police continue to stress that speed limits are not arbitrary but are designed to protect all road users. By adhering to posted limits and avoiding reckless behaviour, drivers can significantly reduce the risks associated with high-speed travel.

As investigations continue, the two drivers will await their court date, where further sanctions may be applied. For now, their cars remain impounded, serving as a tangible consequence of what police describe as dangerous and irresponsible actions.