POLICE have warned drivers they will lose their licence for at least a month if caught driving at 130km/h and above on the Hume Highway.
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Acting Sergeant Marc Newton said at least nine people had lost their licence at Benalla in the past week due to speeding.
He said there were automatic loss of licence penalties for anyone caught exceeding the speed limit on the highway by 20km/h and higher.
“We show absolutely no discretion,” he said.
“If you are caught speeding you will get an infringement notice, no ifs, buts, or maybes.
“If motorists expect police to knock them into a lower speed bracket they’re wrong.
“There are no discounts.
“If you are caught speeding, you will wear the consequences.”
For those caught driving at 45km/h above the speed limit or higher, there was a minimum six month loss of licence, acting Sergeant Newton said.
Vehicles can also be impounded after being detected at 145km/h or higher on the highway.
“The previous week we had six drivers test positive to methamphetamine or cannabis,” he said.
“It struck me that this week we had at least nine individuals caught driving at high speed.
“There are a lot of compliant people, but we still get those motorists who show scant regard for the speed limit.”
Acting Sergeant Newtown said the results weren’t particularly bad considering the volume of traffic on the highway.
The warning comes as Benalla police continue to investigate a spate of rubbish bin fires in the town.
Fires were lit between 7.15pm Monday and 12.30am Tuesday at KFC, the Denny Street car park toilet block, the rear of the post office on Fawkner Drive and in the toilets under the library.
Three males wearing black hoodies were seen walking towards the KFC car park before the fire.
Another bin fire was reported in Bridge Street at 11.15pm Thursday.
Anyone with information can phone Benalla police.