Nearly one in ten motorists have been caught flouting strict fruit fly rules into the Riverland across the past 23 random roadblocks resulting in nearly 1,000 fines being issued.
More than 10,616 vehicles were inspected during the 2020-21 random roadblock campaign with 1,839 kilograms of fresh produce seized and 944 fines handed out.
With the June long weekend approaching, Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development David Basham is calling on motorists to do the right thing and leave fruit and vegetables at home or face a $405 fine.
"It is disappointing that people continue to ignore the strict and important fruit fly rules in place and put the Riverland at risk of further incursions from the horticultural pests," Minister Basham said.
"With fruit fly outbreaks in metropolitan Adelaide, the Riverland and Port Augusta, it's more important than ever not to move fruit and vegetables into and around South Australia.
"The message is clear, if you carry prohibited fruit and vegetables into the Riverland, you will be caught and you will be fined.
"If you're in a red outbreak area in Adelaide, the Riverland or Port Augusta, you cannot move fruit out of that area – once purchased or picked, it must stay at home."
Mr Basham said that even though fruit flies historically are not as active in winter months, it is important to remain vigilant against the pest.
"Despite the colder weather kicking in, we have taken the proactive approach to extend the random roadblock program to protect the Riverland Pest Free Area," Minister Basham said.
"Fruit fly can only travel when people carry fruit and vegetables around. This long weekend, shop locally – leave your fruit at home.
"There is no excuse for doing the wrong thing as you travel into the Riverland Pest Free Area.
"You can't miss the signage and strategically placed quarantine bins to dispose of any fresh produce before you enter the area.
"Everyone must play their part in protecting South Australia from fruit fly."
For more information on how you can protect South Australia from fruit fly, visit fruitfly.sa.gov.au.
