Police Commissioner Rob Robinson today received a speeding ticket in the Oamaru area at Maheno.
Mr Robinson was travelling to a family function in a rental vehicle with some of his relations. He had set the cruise control for the open road. He stated that he missed a speed limit sign in an area where the limit changed from 100 kph to 70. He was detected travelling at 97 kph by an oncoming patrol.
The Patrol Officer, who immediately recognised the Commissioner, issued an infringement in accordance with policy. The exchange between the Commissioner and the officer was professional.
Mr Robinson stated that he was "gutted to have been so stupid" and regretted putting one of his staff in the position of having to issue an infringement to the top serving Police Officer. The only upside to the situation was that publicity around the infringement might remind other motorists this holiday weekend to keep their speeds down in the interests of road safety.
Mr Robinson has been driving for forty years. This is his first speeding ticket. He will pay the $230 fine immediately.