Forty motorists were detected drink driving in Western Region during a three-day operation targeting alcohol-impaired motorists across NSW.
Operation Drink Drive II started at 0001hrs on Friday 1 November 2019 and ended on Sunday (3 November 2019).
During the 72-hour operation, officers attached to Western Region conducted 16,816 random breath tests and charged 40 people with drink driving.
Police also issued 31 Traffic Infringement Notices for restraint offences, four for mobile phones, 314 for speeding and 389 for other offences.
Western Region Traffic Tactician, Inspector Ben Macfarlane, said the number of motorists caught driving under the influence was disappointing.
"Western Region recorded no fatalities or serious injuries during this year's drink drive operation which is a great result," he said. "This saves families, partners and emergency workers from dealing with road trauma for a short time.
"Police and our road safety partners can't do much more in terms of messaging about the dangers of drink driving; it's up to motorists, passengers, anyone who sees a driver either under the influence or about to get into a vehicle after drinking – say something. Report it.
"Speeding, alcohol and drug use are some of the biggest killers on NSW roads, and with around three million breath tests completed each year the chances of being detected are high.
"It's not worth gambling with your life, the lives of others, or your licence for the sake of a few drinks."
Police will continue to focus on drink driving throughout the holiday period with a zero-tolerance approach.
Items of interest for the three-day operation include –
About 4.25pm on Friday (1 November 2019), officers attached to Barrier Police District stopped a vehicle on Oxide Street at Broken Hill due to the driver not wearing a seatbelt. Police spoke with the 41-year-old male driver and had cause to search the vehicle, locating cannabis and methamphetamines. Investigations continue.
About 12.40am the same date, officers attached to Oxley Police District stopped a 35-year-old male driver in Dangar Street at Narrabri for the purpose of a random breath test. The man returned a positive result and was taken to Narrabri Police Station where he returned a reading of 0.145. He was issued a Future Court Attendance Notice and his licence suspended.
About 12.40am on Sunday (3 November 2019), officers attached to New England Police District stopped a utility being driven on Manners Street at Tenterfield for the purpose of a random breath test. The male driver returned a positive result and was placed under arrest. Police located and seized a firearm containing ammunition from between the front seats of the vehicle. He was taken to Tenterfield Police Station where he returned a high-range PCA of 0.211. The man's licence was suspended, and inquiries into the firearm offence continue.
About 8.40pm on Sunday (3 November 2019), police stopped a 23-year-old man on the Newell Highway at Parkes for the purpose of a random breath test. The man returned a mid-range PCA (0.144). He was subsequently charged for the offence, his drivers licence suspended and issued several infringement notices for concerning lane behaviour.
About 10.35pm on Sunday (3 November 2019), officers attached to Mudgee Highway Patrol were patrolling Market Street at Mudgee when they stopped a Mitsubishi Triton for the purpose of a random breath test. The man returned a positive roadside reading and was taken to Mudgee Police Station where he returned a mid-range reading of 0.109. The man's licence was suspended, and he was charged with drive with middle range PCA – 2nd offence to appear before Mudgee Local Court on Wednesday 18 December 2019.
