Officers from Wide Bay Highway Patrol have charged 56 people over five days, including 28 drug drivers and 5 drink drivers, during Operation Yankee Afrino.
The operation ran from 4pm Thursday 30 April to 6pm Monday 4 May targeting road safety and disrupting criminal activity during an annual event that attracts thousands of people to the region.
Seven people were charged for unlicensed driving, four people were charged for driving illegally modified vehicles and two people were charged for driving unregistered or uninsured vehicles.
967 roadside breath tests and 99 roadside drug tests were conducted, and three traffic infringement notices were issued for high range speeding.
At approximately 5.55pm on 2 May, police pulled over a white Toyota Hilux on the Bruce Highway at Childers South after officers observed it swerving within the northbound lane.
It is alleged the driver returned a roadside breath alcohol reading of 0.304%.
A 39-year-old Forest Glen woman was issued a notice to appear for high range drink driving and had her license immediately suspended.
Around 8.15am on 4 May, police were travelling southbound on the Bruce Highway at Kybong in an unmarked vehicle when they were overtaken by a black BMW 316ti allegedly travelling at 158km an hour in the 110 zone.
A 22-year-old Bellmere man was fined $1919 for exceeding the speed limit by more than 40km/h, and had his license suspended for six months.
Around 7.30am on 1 May, electrical conduit that was attached to a white Toyota Hiace van fell off the vehicle in view of a police motorcyclist patrolling on Pialba Burrum Heads Road in Dundowran.
A 24-year-old Kawungan man was fined $333 for an unsecured load offence.
Maryborough Highway Patrol Officer in Charge Sergeant Josh Churchward said the increased police presence on our roads during the operation will continue throughout the district to ensure the safety of all road users.
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.
