Waikato driver clocked at 240km/h

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A driver has been clocked at 240 km/h on the Waikato Expressway and police say driving at that 'crazy' speed takes 450m to stop.

The driver was apprehended yesterday travelling northbound on the Expressway at 224kmh. Police said the driver's initial speed - a whopping 240km/h - was "simply reckless".

"We calculate that given normal prudent driver reactions, coupled with the vehicle being in good condition, at a speed of 240km/h it would take twelve seconds and 450 metres to stop," said Waikato district road policing manager Inspector Freda Grace.

"If you are travelling at this speed, and something untoward happens up to 450 meters in front of you - the chances of you being involved in a collision are high."

Ms Grace said most holiday drivers had been patient and driving in an appropriate manner, but there were still a number driving at 'crazy' speeds.

These included a driver of Christmas Day who was clocked at 142km/h on State Highway One at Taupiri and readings of 189km/h on the Waikato Expressway and 181 km/h on SH1 at Horotiu on Boxing Day.

Ms Grace said all of these drivers had passengers or family with them and officer has been given a range of excuses, including they were late for a BBQ.

"It is unacceptable to place those most close to you are such significant risk. This at the time of year when the traffic on the roads is significantly higher than usual and roads users are often not familiar with the route they are taking."

Speed / Stopping Distance Guide
240km/h - Distance 450m - Time 12 secs
224km/h - Distance 400m - Time 11.3 secs
150km/h - Distance 200m - Time 8 secs
100km/h - Distance 100m - Time 5.8 secs