An unlicensed driver has been charged as part of a high-visibility road safety enforcement operation conducted across Western Region at the weekend.
About 6.45pm on Friday (5 February 2021), officers attached to the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command stopped a vehicle travelling on Frome Street, Moree.
Checks revealed the driver, a 53-year-old Tamworth man, was in breach of his bail conditions. Further checks revealed the man had never held a driver's licence.
During a subsequent roadside drug test, police will allege the man returned a positive indication.
He was arrested and taken to Moree Police Station where he was charged with breach of bail, stating a false name to police and never licensed person drive on road.
The man was refused bail and appeared at Moree Local Court on Saturday (6 February 2021) where he was granted conditional bail to reappear before Tamworth Local Court on Monday 22 February 2021.
The first phase of Operation Trance commenced in the North West Region Traffic and Highway Patrol Command last Thursday (4 February 2021) and concluded about 8pm yesterday (Sunday 7 February 2021), targeting unsafe driving behaviour in and around Orange, Dubbo and Moree.
During the operation, police conducted 1365 random breath tests and charged four people with mid-range drink driving.
Police conducted 43 random drug tests, with 10 people returning a positive indication for the presence of a prohibited drug.
Twelve charges were laid in total, and an additional 172 Traffic Infringement Notices issued for a range of offences.
North West Region Traffic Coordinator, Sergeant Kelly Wixx, said saturation strategies such as Operation Trance continue to strengthen police visibility and road safety awareness.
"While many drivers comply with the road rules, police continue to detect motorists demonstrating unsafe driver behaviour and place other road users at risk," Sgt Wixx said.
"There were no recorded fatalities in Western Region at the weekend, however, drivers continue to act irresponsibly, and the amount of infringements issued and that drivers are still getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol and drugs is cause for concern.
"Driving on regional roads requires concentration and vigilance; adding alcohol, drugs, distractions and dangerous driving behaviours increases a driver's chances of being involved in serious collisions.
"We will continue to saturate the roads so that we reach as many communities in regional areas as possible and continue to provide support to local Police Districts to prevent and deter crime."
