TAC fines Magpies $10,000 over speeding incident

17 Jun 2004

Media release - 17 June 2004

The Transport Accident Commission today imposed a $10,000 fine on the Collingwood Football Club, over a speeding incident involving Magpies' player Cameron Cloke.

TAC Chief Executive Officer, Mr Stephen Grant said Collingwood had also been put on notice that any similar offence by a Collingwood player or official could result in the instant termination of the TAC's major sponsorship of the club.

"Speed is a contributing factor in about a third of all road crashes," Mr Grant said.

"Last year alone, more than 100 people lost their lives in speed related crashes.

"To say that the actions of Cameron Cloke in this instance were irresponsible is a massive understatement.

"He not only risked his own life, but that of every other road user around him.

"He is extremely lucky that he wasn't seriously injured or killed and that he didn't harm anyone else. The TAC has thousands of clients who were not so lucky."

Mr Grant said the TAC had invested significant resources in educating Victorian road users of the dangers of speeding.

"The Collingwood Football Club, through its relationship with the TAC, has also played a strong role in that education campaign," he said.

"It is therefore extremely disappointing that a representative of the Collingwood Football Club chose to act in such a stupid and reckless manner."

Collingwood Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mr David Emerson, said the Club accepts without question the penalty imposed by the TAC and recognises the seriousness of the offence.

"The Collingwood Football Club takes its community partnership with the TAC very seriously and has invested considerable time and resources into programs and campaigns to educate Victorians about the dangers of speeding," Mr Emerson said.

The TAC's approach to football sponsorship more broadly is still being determined.

The TAC does not propose to make any further comment at this stage.

Media contact

De-Arnne Schmidt on 1300 654 329.