150km h at notorious speed trap

An 18-year-old woman was clocked doing 150km/h down Ngaumatawa Rd on Friday night - more than twice the speed limit.

Masterton police senior sergeant Warwick Burr said the driver was seen around 9.30pm on Friday in a 70km/h area of the Masterton road, and failed to stop for police.

She then travelled through the Upper Plain area driving toward Renall St where she stopped near the railway tracks.

Mr Burr said he was not sure if she stopped of her own accord, but there was nothing to indicate that the pursuit ended in a crash. She was not found to have had excess breath alcohol.

The woman was charged with failing to stop and dangerous driving and is likely to appear in court this week.

There were two passengers in the car, both men of about 18, who would not be facing any charges, said Mr Burr.

Ngaumatawa Rd was regularly patrolled by traffic police officers, and although it was unusual to catch someone at that speed, it was a problem spot.

"It's a road where there is still speeding and it's been made more difficult by some people struggling to come to terms with that 70km/h limit. However, 150km/h is 50km over the previous limit."

Mr Burr said approaching the holiday season a whole range of driving issues were starting to be seen.

"It's probably a good time to remind the public to drive sensibly - don't drink and drive, don't speed, and don't drive in a matter that puts others in danger. We'll have extra staff on the road being vigilant towards driving behaviour because of the risk during the holidays."

The national Christmas-New Year holiday road toll was 18 deaths last year, up from 13 the year before.