Officers from Western Road Policing Services have continued their road safety blitz in north west Tasmania with 21 drivers issued with drink driving and other traffic infringements during a road safety operation over the weekend.
Four drivers were charged with drink driving including:
- A 33-year-old man from Upper Burnie who was detected on East Cam Road, Camdale.
- A 27-year-old man from Homebush (NSW) who was detected on Paraka Street, Park Grove.
- A 33-year-old man from Sandy Bay who was detected on Hiller Street, Devonport.
- A 28-year-old man from Latrobe who was detected on Gilbert Street, Latrobe.
Six drivers, four in Burnie and two in Devonport, also returned positive results for driving with drugs in their system and will be summonsed to appear in court at a later date.
Three drivers who were already disqualified from driving were charged after being caught behind the wheel, including:
- A 20-year-old man from Park Grove who was detected on Grandview Avenue, Burnie.
- A 63-year-old man Devonport who was detected on Bluff Road, Devonport.
- A 20-year-old man from Penguin who was detected on King Edward Street, Penguin.
In addition, eight traffic infringement notices for speeding offences were issued during targeted patrols of the Ridgley Highway in Ridgley, Guildford and Hampshire areas in a three-hour period between 1.50 and 4.40pm on Sunday, August 17.
"Tasmania Police is committed to ensuring the safety of all road users and our efforts in road safety enforcement will continue" said Acting Inspector Martin Parker.
"Tragically, this year we have seen a devastating increase in fatalities and serious crashes on our roads.
"Driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, and speeding are part of the fatal five contributors to fatal and serious crashes.
"It is disappointing that some individuals continue to disregard the law and endanger other road users by undertaking risky driving behaviours.
"With football finals upon us, it is tempting to have one more alcoholic drink before driving home.
"Please rethink that extra drink or arrange a designated driver if you plan on drinking.
"We will continue to conduct targeted and random patrols on Tasmania's roads to curb high-risk behaviours such as speeding, drink driving, inattention, and not wearing seatbelts.
"These factors overwhelmingly contribute to serious and fatal crashes.
"We will also continue to target disqualified, suspended and unlicensed drivers," said A/Inspector Parker.
Incidents of dangerous driving can be reported can be reported to police on 131 444 or call triple zero (000) in an emergency. Reports can also be made via Crime Stoppers Tasmania on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.
