Last weekend marked the 40th anniversary of when random breath testing (RBT) was introduced into NSW.
NSW was one of the first jurisdictions in the world to commence RBTs, which saw a dramatic drop in the state’s road toll.
To mark this milestone, Operation Fume was conducted from 12.01am on Friday 16 December 2022 until 11.59 Saturday 17 December 2022 across the state, targeting drug and alcohol-related driving offences.
The high-visibility operation involved officers attached to Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, supported by general duties officers from Police Area Commands and Police Districts.
During the operation, police conducted 36,242 breath tests and 10,491 drug tests.
More than 500 motorists were detected driving with the presence of alcohol and/or illicit drugs during the statewide operation.
Police charged 169 drivers with alcohol related driving offences, whilst 390 drivers tested positive to illicit drugs. These tests will undergo further analysis and further legal proceedings are likely.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden, said police will continue to target drivers who have consumed drugs or alcohol.
“For the past 40 years we have been targeting alcohol affected drivers and have been testing drivers for the presence of drugs since 2007,” Assistant Commissioner McFadden said.
“Our road toll has dropped, but every life lost is one too many and we still have work to do to prevent any family from losing a loved one on the roads. Whilst we have changed the public perception for many, making drink and drug driving unacceptable, the results from the weekend have shown some people are still failing to get this message.”
“Not only does a driver have to obey the law, they must also realise that they are in a social contract with other road users to travel our shared roads safely,” Assistant Commissioner McFadden said.
Operation Fume is conducted across the state at various times throughout the year.
