Operation Xray Spring Break will be bolstered by the Queensland Police Service's (QPS) State Road Policing Task Force conducting high-visibility patrols alongside the Cairns Highway Patrol Unit these school holidays.
Additional officers and vehicles have been deployed to the Far North over the past 6 weeks, to support the ongoing surge response to crime in the region.
Motorists can expect to see police anywhere at any time, with high visibility patrols and roadside enforcement focusing on the Fatal Five: speeding, drink and drug driving, failure to wear seatbelts, fatigue and distraction.
Since 9 August, police have issued 297 Traffic Infringement Notices (TINs) and have conducted 7480 Roadside Breath Tests (RBTs).
This year, 13 people have lost their lives on Far North roads. Many of these tragedies were linked to preventable behaviours such as speeding and drink or drug driving, making road safety an operational priority for police.
On 18 August, police attempted to intercept a 32-year-old Earlville man allegedly riding a bicycle without a helmet on Koch Street.
It will be alleged the man abandoned the bicycle and ran from police, before he was arrested at a nearby shopping centre.
He was charged with one count each of obstruct police officer, contravene direction or requirement police officer, rider of bicycle fail to wear approved helmet, and possess utensils or pipes.
He is due to appear in the Cairns Magistrates Court on 3 October.
Detective Inspector Jason Chetham said while the surge operation is predominately focused on property crime, patrolling the roads is key to disrupting and preventing crime.
"Part of our surge response activities include having the Road Policing Task Force supporting our local Highway Patrol Unit to not only ensure everyone is driving safely but increase our high-visibility presence in the community," Detective Inspector Chetham said.
"Road safety is everyone's responsibility, plan your journey, be patient, and report any suspicious behaviour or dangerous driving to police."
The Queensland Police Service is committed to reducing the number of lives lost on our roads.
Data shows that serious crashes can be significantly reduced when drivers recognise and avoid the 'Fatal Five' behaviours: speeding, drink and drug driving, not wearing seatbelts, fatigue and distraction.
Road safety is everyone's responsibility. Learn more about staying safe on Queensland roads: https://www.police.qld.gov.au/initiatives/fatal-five-staying-safe-roads
