A MAN has been charged after he was caught allegedly travelling at up to 260kmh just north of Helensburgh on Sunday morning.

Wollongong Highway Patrol officers were patrolling the M1 Princes Motorway when they detected a blue Nissan 200SX allegedly travelling at up to 260kmh in a sign-posted 110kmh zone about 2.30am.

Officers eventually stopped the vehicle, which was allegedly travelling with its lights off, at Heathcote and spoke with the driver. The 22-year-old man driving the Nissan produced a Queensland licence.

The man was arrested and taken to Sutherland Police Station where he was charged with drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous, motor vehicle exceed speed more than 45kmh and drive in dark no lights.