Covid 19 coronavirus: Speeding Lamborghini driver blames virus

An Australian Lamborghini driver gave police the most 2020 reason for being caught at nearly twice the speed limit on a Sydney motorway: he needed to get to a coronavirus testing station.

The 35-year-old man was detected travelling up to 160km/h in a 90km/h zone on Sydney's M4 on Monday.

The Lamborghini was stopped travelling at high speeds.

When stopped, he told police he was heading to Westmead Hospital to be tested for Covid-19.

He had his licence suspended and was issued a ticket, but police allowed him to drive on to hospital where he underwent a test.

He is now self-isolating at home.

Police said there was no excuse for speeding - not even fear of having contracted coronavirus.

"Drivers shouldn't break the road rules under any circumstances," said commander of Traffic and Highway Patrol Command Michael Corboy.

"Speeding endangers the life of motorists as well as pedestrians.

"If you think you may have symptoms of Covid-19 and want to seek help from a doctor or hospital, call ahead of time to book an appointment, or visit a NSW Health Covid-19/Flu assessment clinic should you become unwell."

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Drivers in New Zealand have also been picked up for breaches during our lockdown.

An Auckland man is facing charges after being pulled over twice when police started clamping down on people flouting coronavirus lockdown rules.

Police Commissioner Mike Bush told Newstalk ZB's Mike Hosking. "He had no reason to be out there. That does show our people [are on to it].

"Unfortunately for him, he wasn't complying with a number of driving matters... he wasn't entitled to have that car or to be out there."

A police spokeswoman said the driver was stopped by the Auckland Motorways police team.

"The man was not an essential worker and was not undertaking essential travel. The man was detained by police and is currently facing driving matters and further charges are being considered."

• Covid19.govt.nz: The Government's official Covid-19 advisory website