- Double demerit points for Australia Day long weekend begin from midnight tonight
- Officers targeting anti-social and unsafe driving behaviour this Australia Day long weekend
- Additional police resources deployed for long weekend
More than 300 drivers lost their licences due to double demerit points over the festive season, prompting a warning ahead of the Australia Day long weekend.
Police Minister Michelle Roberts today released figures from the 17-day Festive Season police blitz, which saw a massive 121,000 drivers randomly breath tested across the State.
- 378 drivers were charged with drink driving related offences;
- 244 people were caught for illegally using their mobile phone while driving;
- 15,511 people were fined for speeding; and
- 66 drivers were charged with either reckless, dangerous or careless driving offences.
301 people either reached or exceeded 12 demerit points during the period, with 211 of those losing 12 points as a result of a single vehicle stop.
Double demerit point penalties will apply again from midnight tonight until midnight on Monday, January 28 for the following offences:
- Drink or drug driving;
- Speeding;
- Failing to wear a seatbelt or child restraint;
- Running a red light; and
- Illegal use of a mobile phone while driving.
As stated by Police Minister Michelle Roberts:
"Don't risk losing your licence by making poor decisions on the road.
"If you think about it, the consequences could be huge, it affects your family life, your job and your leisure.
"It's really disappointing that 301 drivers accumulated 12 points or more during the last double demerit point period.
"Our officers are out there on the roads and our message is consistent, anywhere, anytime, it's just not worth the risk."
