Driver who caused $1.4m damage after crashing lorry into CTE tunnel is repeat offender
A 55-year-old man will be charged in court on July 30 for crashing a heavy vehicle into a tunnel along Cairnhill Road last November, causing about $1.4 million in damage.
The incident took place on Nov 8, 2024, at around 12.05pm," the police said in a statement.
The driver was behind the wheel of a lorry with a raised crane boom when it collided with the height limit barrier and the tunnel entrance along the slip road into the Central Expressway (CTE).
According to the police, the collision caused extensive damage to the tunnel's height barrier as well as its mechanical and electrical units.
The man was arrested that same day for two offences: driving a heavy motor vehicle which collided with a building or structure, and driving a heavy motor vehicle exceeding 4.5 metres in height without a police escort.
It was also revealed that this is his second time committing both offences.
For causing the collision, he could face a fine of up to $5,000, a jail term of up to two years, or both. Repeat offenders face harsher penalties, including fines of up to $10,000 and up to five years' jail, as well as possible disqualification from driving.
Driving a heavy vehicle exceeding 4.5 metres without an escort also carries a mandatory jail term of one to three years and a fine of up to $2,000. Repeat offenders face two to five years' jail and a fine of up to $5,000.
The Traffic Police remind all drivers and vehicle owners that any vehicle exceeding 4.5 metres in height must be accompanied by a police or auxiliary police escort. Drivers are advised to plan their routes carefully to avoid height-restricted roads.
