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Driver slapped with $598 fine after 'careless' act

Ash Cant
·2-min read

A driver in the ACT has been slapped with a fine amounting to $598 for "poorly" securing item to their Holden Astra.

On Friday at around 12.15pm Road Policing officers spotted the blue Holden travelling north on the Tuggeranong Parkway past the Arboretum.

On top of the vehicle was a mattress, which police said was "poorly secured" to the roof.

As the vehicle travelled along the road, the mattress was lifting from the roof. Other motorists were hesitating to pass the vehicle, out of fear the mattress would fly off.

A driver was pulled over by ACT Police for an unsecured mattress. Source: ACT Policing
A driver was pulled over by ACT Police for an unsecured mattress. Source: ACT Policing

Officers pulled over the driver and found a washing machine crammed into the rear of the vehicle, with the tailgate unsecured.

The driver was 64-years-old and after speaking to the police they arranged to have both the mattress and the washing machine to be transported safely.

However, due to the unsecured load, the driver was issued a fine of $598.

"Drivers are reminded that all loads must be secured properly and trying to save money by using unsuitable vehicles poses a serious risk to other road users and can result in significant fines," ACT Police said.

Driver mocked on Facebook

Some thought the ordeal was hilarious however others slammed the driver for their reckless actions.

"Bummer, could've hired removalists for that price," one person said, in reference to the fine.

"Would have been cheaper to pay for delivery.. and they would have installed the washing machine also," another person said.

A washing machine was also found to be jammed in the back of the car. Source: ACT Policing
A washing machine was also found to be jammed in the back of the car. Source: ACT Policing

Several called the driver's stunt "careless" while one person asked: "What if he had killed or injured someone?"

"Not secured loads are a real issue," one person said, calling for a bigger fine.

It's not the first time a driver's load was called out by police.

Back in 2019, NSW Police pulled over a driver with an oversized load strapped to a vehicle, because the load "caused instability".

The driver was slapped with a fine of $439 and was hit with three demerit points.

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