Officers from State Highway Patrol have charged Gold Coast drivers with more than 50 offences and issued more than 100 infringement notices, following a five-day road safety operation in the district.
From 15 to 20 July, officers completed nearly 1,400 roadside breath tests (RBTs) and travelled more than 3,200 kilometres while conducting patrols on the Gold Coast targeting dangerous driving behaviours.
Across the operation, officers issued a total of 119 traffic infringement notices (TINs) for a range of offences, including speeding, uninsured and unregistered driving and more.
Among those intercepted was a 30-year-old Mermaid Waters man, who police observed travelling at 134km/h in an 80km/h zone on Nerang Broadbeach Road at about 8pm on 18 July.
The man was issued a $1,986 fine, which also incurs eight demerit points.
The man also received a six-month suspension on his licence. QP2601393288 refers.
Officers also issued 56 notices to appear to drivers for a range of offences, including 33 for drink driving and one for drug driving.
A 42-year-old Hope Island man was charged with drink driving following an intercept at about 11.20pm on 16 July, after police allegedly observed the driver drift between lanes while crossing a roundabout on Hope Island Road.
It will be alleged the driver produced a breath alcohol reading of 0.160 per cent.
He received an immediate 24-hour suspension on his licence, and a notice to appear before Southport Magistrates Court on 6 August. QP2601380647 refers.
A 41-year-old Elanora man has been charged with drug offences and fined for traffic offences, after police intercepted the motorbike rider at Ashmore on 18 July.
Police observed a motorbike driving at 104km/h in a 70km/h zone on Southport Nerang Road without visible licence plates.
During the intercept, officers conducted a roadside drug test, where the rider allegedly returned a positive result. Police further allege that search of his belongings also located a small quantity of methylamphetamines and gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB).
The man received three traffic infringement notices for exceeding the speed limit, driving an uninsured vehicle and driving an unregistered vehicle, totalling in $1,916 in fines and six demerit points for all three offences.
He was also charged with drug driving, possess dangerous drugs and possess utensils and issued with a notice to appear before Southport Magistrates Court on 10 August. QP2601392631 and QP2601392774 refer.
Acting Inspector Paul Kelly said it was disappointing to see so many people choosing to do the wrong thing and drive dangerously.
"The number of dangerous drivers detected during this operation is concerning, and highlights to us that motorists are continuing to drive recklessly and take unacceptable risks on our roads," Acting Inspector Kelly said.
"It is incredibly disappointing to see 33 drink drivers detected over this operation, disregarding not only their own safety, but the safety of others on the road.
"This kind of behaviour is not acceptable and police will continue to take strong enforcement action against dangerous drivers, anywhere and at any time."
The Queensland Police Service is committed to reducing the number of lives lost on our roads.
As part of Operation Interpose, police are bolstering high-visibility patrols right across the state, engaging with road users and enforcing the laws to deter dangerous driving behaviours.
Queenslanders can expect police – anywhere, anytime. However, enforcement alone cannot stop all dangerous driving behaviours.
Driving under the influence, speeding, driving distracted or while fatigued, or not wearing a seatbelt puts your life – and the lives of others – at serious risk. These dangerous behaviours will not be tolerated.
Road safety starts with you.
