More than 1500 random breath tests were conducted during two phases of "Operation Ricko" – targeting speeding, vehicle compliance and driver impairment in western NSW, NSW Police say.
Operation "Ricko" was held from Thursday 18 October to Sunday 21 October by Western Region Traffic and Highway Patrol Command attached to the Peel and Barrier Clusters.
The saturation-style operation was conducted on roads in and around Tamworth and Broken Hill.
Just after 9am on Thursday 18 October 2018, a heavy vehicle was detected travelling at 125km/h on the Barrier Highway near Emmadale.
A search of the vehicle revealed the speed limiter had been allegedly tampered with.
The driver was issued with infringement notices for exceeding the speed limit, speed limiter not being compliant and a work diary offence.
Western Region Traffic Tactician Inspector Peter McMenamin said the saturation style operations were proving to be effective.
"These operations will be followed up by return visits from the police strike force. We’re not saying when we will return, local residents just have to know that we will," Inspector McMenamin said.
Key statistics for the Barrier Cluster phase of the operation were
Random breath tests conducted - 621
Drink driving charges - 3
Defect notices issued - 4
Exceeding the speed limit infringements - 28
Key statistics for the Peel Cluster phase of the operation were
Random Breath test – 987
Drink driving charges – 3
Disqualified drivers detected - 2
Suspended drivers detected – 2
