The Queensland Police Service (QPS) is reminding motorists to put safety first and watch for children now that school zones are back in effect, after officers issued more than 13,400 infringement notices during the September school holidays.
Since Operation Yankee Spring Break commenced Saturday 19 September, police have undertaken coordinated proactive road policing activities across Queensland throughout the school holiday period, covering major highways, local roads and beaches to deter and intercept dangerous driving behaviours.
Between 19 September and 6 October, officers issued more than 13,400 traffic infringement notices, of which more than 6,800 were for speeding, 70 for mobile phone use and 100 for not wearing a seatbelt correctly.
Officers from State Highway Patrol have fined a 19-year-old Flagstone man, after allegedly observing him travelling at 179km/h in an 80km/h zone - 99km/h over the speed limit on the Mount Lindesay Highway near Park Ridge South.
The man was charged with exceeding the speed limit by more than 40km/h and driving with an expired licence and issued with two traffic infringement notices, totalling $2,250 and 8 demerit points.
Preliminary data also indicates that police have detected more than 1,000 drink and drug drivers over the school holidays.
Officers from Springfield Police Station were conducting roadside breath testing on Springfield Parkway near Nev Smith Drive, Springfield, when they intercepted a 41-year-old Camira man, who allegedly produced a positive roadside alcohol reading.
He was transported to Springfield Police Station for a secondary test, and produced a breath alcohol content (BAC) reading of 0.254 per cent, over five times the general alcohol limit. His licence was immediately suspended and he was issued a notice to appear.
Emergency Response and Coordination Command Acting Assistant Commissioner Timothy Partrige reminded motorists that just because it is the end of the school holidays, it should not make drivers complacent.
"We see many Queenslanders on the road doing the right thing, and we thank them for doing their part to make Queensland safer," Acting Assistant Commissioner Partrige said.
"But disappointingly, over the course of this operation, police continued to intercept drivers who made poor decisions.
"Whether it's choosing to speed or drive dangerously, drink or drug drive, drive tired or commit other traffic offences - these decisions all can have tragic consequences.
"While the holidays might have ended, our work to keep all road users safe continues. With children back in class, the focus will shift to ensuring they get to and from school safely.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Partrige also asked all road users to remember to show extra care around school zones.
"There is no excuse for speeding or driving dangerously - especially around school zones," Acting Assistant Commissioner Partrige said.
"When you are driving around vulnerable road users, even a split second of distraction can cause a tragedy. We urge all road users to think about their actions on the road – slow down, pay attention and drive with care around our schools.
Following Operation Yankee Spring Break's closure on 10 October, QPS road safety operations will continue under Operation Interpose.
As part of Operation Interpose, police around the state will continue to conduct ongoing patrols, ensuring that targeted road safety enforcement remains a key priority on our roads.
"No matter where you are, you should expect police anywhere, anytime", said Acting Assistant Commissioner Partrige.
"When you're holding onto that steering wheel, or those handlebars, you're putting your own life, and the lives of other motorists around you, in your hands.
"Whether it's in the city or out on our rural roads, we want everyone to get to their destination, and police will continue their important work of keeping Queensland road users safe.
The Queensland Police Service is committed to reducing the number of lives lost on our roads. However, enforcement alone cannot stop all dangerous driving behaviours.
Every choice you make behind the wheel, matters. 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.
Queenslanders can expect police – anywhere, anytime.
Road safety starts with you.
