Police nab P-plater at 200km/h in Mercedes-Benz

A red P-plater has been caught by police allegedly driving at more than 100km/h above the legal limit.

Highway Patrol officers claim to have observed the 17-year-old driver driving in the overtaking lane of a 110km/h motorway – despite his provisional licence limiting him to no more than 90km/h.

NSW Police allege the Mercedes-Benz A250 then accelerated up to 198km/h when taking a motorway exit which was signposted at 70km/h.

According to police, the road was wet following a light rain shower.

When officers activated their lights and sirens, the young motorist came to an immediate stop on the right-hand side of the road, where it was discovered he had another 17-year-old along as a passenger.

Police say the driver was apologetic after being pulled over, asking officers: "I'm sorry I was being stupid. Do you want my keys?"

The driver's provisional licence was immediately suspended, and they were issued with a court attendance notice for driving at a speed dangerous to the public and exceeding the speed limit by more than 45km/h.

The Mercedes-Benz A250 is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 155kW and 350Nm, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The news comes in the middle of National Road Safety Week, which runs from the 5-12 May 2024.