Gold Coast police have conducted a series of high-visibility traffic operations across the region over the Easter long weekend and school holidays, targeting drink driving and dangerous behaviour on local roads.
Operation Yankee Easter Break, carried out at multiple locations including Broadbeach, Merrimac, Surfers Paradise, Main Beach and Paradise Point, saw officers conduct 1,095 roadside breath tests (RBTs).
As a result of the operation, police charged three people, including two drink drivers and one unlicensed driver. Fourteen traffic infringement notices (TINs) were also issued, including a high-range speeding offence more than 40km/h over the limit.
A 42-year-old Surfers Paradise man returned a breath alcohol reading of 0.102 per cent and has been charged with one count of driving a motor vehicle whilst over the middle alcohol limit but not over the high alcohol limit.
He is due to appear at Southport Magistrates Court on 28 April.
While conducting a RBT operation in Surfers Paradise on 9 April, officers intercepted a vehicle for a random breath test, with subsequent checks revealing the driver was wanted on multiple outstanding warrants, including one relating to armed robbery.
A 35-year-old Bateau Bay man was arrested and charged with one count of attempted armed robbery in company with personal violence. He is due to reappear at Southport Magistrates Court on 1 May.
A separate school holiday operation conducted across Merrimac, Gaven and Labrador on 11 April resulted in a further 640 RBTs, with multiple drink and unlicensed drivers detected. One driver returned a reading of more than three times the legal limit.
A 38-year-old Labrador man returned a breath alcohol reading of 0.054 per cent and has been charged with one count each of driving over the general alcohol limit but not over the middle alcohol limit and driving without a licence.
He is due to appear at Southport Magistrates Court on 28 April.
A 66-year-old Mudgeeraba man returned a breath alcohol reading of 0.083 per cent and has been charged with one count of driving over the general alcohol limit but not over the middle alcohol limit. He is due to appear at Southport Magistrates Court on 30 April.
A 38-year-old Arriga man returned a breath alcohol reading of 0.180 per cent and has been charged with one count each of driving under the influence and driving without a licence. He is due to appear at Southport Magistrates Court on 11 May.
Superintendent Brett Jackson said the results highlighted the importance of ongoing enforcement and high-visibility policing.
"Across all operations, more than 1,700 drivers were breath tested, and it's concerning that a number of these people still chose to get behind the wheel after drinking.
"This is a clear example that you can be stopped anywhere, anytime for a roadside breath test, and police will take action when offences are detected.
"These operations are about preventing tragedies before they happen. High-visibility RBTs are one of the most effective ways to deter drink driving and keep our roads safe."
Superintendent Jackson said with students returning to school this week, drivers should take extra care around school zones.
"As school resumes, we're reminding motorists to slow down, stay alert and obey all signage in school zones.
"Children can be unpredictable around roads, particularly during drop-off and pick-up times, so it's critical drivers remain vigilant and reduce their speed."
Gold Coast police will continue to maintain a strong presence across the region, with motorists reminded they can be stopped anywhere, anytime. If you're planning to drink, make alternative arrangements - don't take the risk.
Quote these reference numbers: QP2600665574, QP2600706498, QP2600706562, QP2600706440, QP1100487514
The Queensland Police Service is committed to reducing the number of lives lost on our roads.
Every choice you make behind the wheel, matters. Driving under the influence, speeding, driving distracted or not wearing a seatbelt puts your life – and the lives of others – at serious risk. These dangerous behaviours will not be tolerated. Queenslanders can expect police – anywhere, anytime.
Safer roads start with you.
