Police have wrapped up a seven-day targeted traffic operation across the Darling Downs district as part of continued efforts to reduce the number of lives lost, or injured, on Queensland roads.
Running from May 12 to 19, Operation Nitrox is part of the Queensland Police Service's statewide run Operation Interpose which focuses on life endangering offences like speed, impaired driving, fatigue, mobile phone use, not wearing seatbelts, vehicle compliance and roadworthiness, and heavy vehicle offences.
Led by Toowoomba Highway Patrol unit the operation involved roadside breath and drug testing along with overt and covert mobile patrols along highways and major road corridors, in the South Burnett, Toowoomba and Lockyer Valley area.
Police conducted 2244 Random Breath Tests (RBT's) and 83 Random Drug Tests (RDT's) resulting in six people caught drink driving and 28 people caught drug driving.
Police also issued 217 Traffic Infringement Notices (TINs), 119 of those were for speeding offences.
Around 12pm on 18 May, police intercepted a 2010 Nissan Micra allegedly travelling 125km/h in an 80km/h zone along the Warrego Highway at Crowley Vale.
The driver, a 17-year-old Kensington Grove boy was fined $1919 and eight demerit points, and had his licence suspended for six months.
The teen is also alleged to have been using a mobile phone at the same time resulting in an additional $1251 fine.
Darling Downs District Officer Acting Superintendent Kelly Hanlen said it was disappointing to see such reckless behaviour especially during National Road Safety Week.
"Despite clear messaging and ongoing enforcement, we are still detecting drivers choosing to get behind the wheel and do the wrong thing." Acting Superintendent Hanlen said.
"The reality is ignoring the road rules especially drink driving and speeding puts everyone at risk. One poor decision can have lifelong consequences for not only the driver, but innocent road users."
Operation Yankee Forge is a six-month, district-led, statewide initiative targeting high-harm and high-volume offences, including unlawful use of motor vehicles, unlawful entry and robbery.
The operation will enhance policing activities across Queensland to reduce victim numbers and strengthen community safety.
Police regions, supported by specialist squads, will undertake coordinated disruption activities across the state. Police will target high-harm offenders and work closely with partner agencies to ensure offenders are held accountable. With a strong focus on crime prevention, police will be highly visible as they prevent, disrupt and investigate offending, with particular emphasis on unlawful use, robbery and unlawful entry.
The operation will be locally led and centrally coordinated, leveraging the knowledge and experience of officers who know their communities best.
