A man is due to face court next month, charged after child was allegedly detected driving the state's west earlier this month.
It will be alleged about 1.35am on Saturday 7 March 2026, a Transport for NSW seatbelt detection camera captured a vehicle travelling on the Great Western Highway, Mount Lambie, with an unrestrained child sitting on the driver's lap.
On Tuesday 10 March 2026, officers attached to Walgett Highway Patrol were notified and commenced an investigation into the incident.
Following inquiries, officers attended a home at Lightening Ridge on Wednesday 11 March and spoke to a 45-year-old man. He has since been issued a court attendance notice, charged with:
- Drive recklessly or furiously or speed or manner dangerous
- Negligent driving (no death or grievous bodily harm)
- Drive without proper control of vehicle, and
- Drive with 1 passenger seatbelt or restraint not properly fastened.
Police will allege the man was under significant fatigue, operating the pedals, while a nine-year-old boy was steering the vehicle at the time of the incident.
The man is due to appear at Walgett Local Court on Tuesday 28 April 2026.
A notification has been made to the Department of Communities and Justice.
