On Thursday, 13 August 2026, Road Policing officers conducted Operation Early Bird Blitz, a targeted early morning enforcement operation across several major metropolitan roads and highways, including Reid Highway, Roe Highway and Tonkin Highway.
The operation was scaled up in response to an increase in antisocial and aggressive driving behaviours linked to fatal and serious crashes in the high traffic volume areas of the metropolitan area.
Between 4.00am and 6.00am, a team of 16 Road Policing officers conducted highly visible enforcement activities across multiple locations identified for high-risk driving behaviour.
As a result of the operation, officers conducted 124 vehicle stops and detected several offences, including:
• 113 motorists speeding
• Four motorists breaching a red traffic light
• Two motorists with no authority to drive
• One motorist using a mobile phone while driving
• One motorist under the influence of alcohol
Three vehicles were also impounded during the operation.
Among the offences detected, about 4.20am, a 39-year-old man was allegedly detected travelling in a black Holden Cascada convertible at 104km/h in a 50km/h zone on Lord Street in Perth, 54km/h above the posted speed limit. He was charged with 'Reckless Driving' and is due to appear before Perth Magistrates Court on 9 October 2026. The vehicle was impounded for 28 days.
In a separate incident, about 5.50am, officers observed a Toyota sedan travelling erratically on Tonkin Highway in Forrestfield. It will be alleged that the 20-year-old driver was distracted by viewing gaming content on his mobile phone while driving. Officers subsequently stopped the vehicle and the driver was issued with a traffic infringement for 'Aggravated Use of a Mobile Phone.'
WA Police will continue practising the mantra of "anywhere, anytime" to influence safe road user behaviour through a highly visible policing presence.
The following quote can be attributed to Commander Mike PETERS, Road Policing Command:
"Operation Early Bird Blitz is regularly conducted and scaled up in response to increasing levels of dangerous driving behaviours detected across the metropolitan area.
"The number of speeding offences detected during a two-hour operation is concerning and demonstrates that some motorists continue to make deliberate decisions that place themselves and other road users at significant risk.
"Particularly concerning was the detection of a driver distracted by watching gaming content on his mobile phone while driving on Tonkin Highway. There is absolutely no excuse for that behaviour. At a time when lives are being lost on our roads, choosing to watch gaming content on a mobile phone while behind the wheel is beyond irresponsible. It demonstrates a complete disregard for the safety of passengers, other motorists and the broader community.
"WA Police will continue to conduct high-visibility operations anywhere and anytime to identify dangerous drivers, hold offenders to account and make our roads safer for everyone."
