Drug and alcohol-affected drivers will be targeted in a road safety operation being launched by Tweed-Byron Police District.
Operation Fume – targeting drink-and-drug-driving and other poor driver behaviour – starts today (Friday 3 February 2023) and runs for four weeks.
The high-visibility operation will involve Traffic and Highway Patrol Command officers, supported by general duties officers from Tweed-Byron Police District.
The operation comes following the results of a four-day Australia Day traffic operation which showed a number of drivers in the district continue to break the law.
Far North Sector Traffic and Highway Patrol Chief Inspector David Vandergriend, said a highly visible police presence in the district was key to fewer incidents on northern roads.
"We will be out in force during the operation, with officers focused on targeting impaired drivers and those who continue to do the wrong thing," Ch Insp Vandergriend said.
"It's no secret that consuming alcohol or drugs impairs your ability to drive and can lead to life-changing consequences.
"That's why Operation Fume will involve our officers stopping vehicles as part of stationary sites, mobile patrols and targeted activity for vehicles and locations."
Ch Insp Vandergriend says drivers expecting to sneak past police can expect to be caught.
"Police will be on the same roads you are –from major roads and highways right through to backroads in rural areas.
"Drivers have to take responsibility for the choices they make, and know those choices will directly impact on everyone else in the environment in which they are driving.
"High-risk behaviour puts other motorists and pedestrians at risk as well," he said.
The warning comes as a Queensland man was detected driving at 187km/h in a 110km/h zone at Sleepy Hollow on Sunday (29 January 2023). He has been fined $2616 and had his licence suspended for three months.
"The message is simple: have a plan B to get home safely if you're drinking, don't drive under the influence, keep to the speed limit, wear a seatbelt, and stay focused on the road.
"There's no reason to break the law or endanger the lives of other road users, and our officers will be on hand to deal with those who do," Ch Insp Vandergriend said.
