South Australia Police caught two motorists who tested positive to methamphetamine during Operation Return to School, a state-wide road safety blitz targeting school zones.
The drivers, a 50-year-old man from Campbelltown and a 57-year-old woman from Loxton, did not have children in their vehicles.
After a positive sample was taken, the drivers were issued with Driver Direction Notices, not to occupy the driver’s seat or drive any motor vehicle for a period of 24 hours.
A total of 131 expiation notices were issued during the two-day operation, including 32 for exceeding the speed limit, six for mobile phone use, eight for failing to wear a seatbelt and 17 for licence and registration offences.
Police visited 292 schools during the state-wide operation, which was created to increase safety for children and pedestrians.
Operation Return to School ran on Monday 14 October and Tuesday 15 October between school drop-off times of 8am to 9am, and pick-up times of 2.45pm to 3.45pm.
Superintendent Robert Gray, the officer in charge of the Traffic Services Branch, said the behaviour of motorists during the operation is unacceptable.
“It’s disappointing whenever we catch road users who refuse to do the right thing, but it’s especially concerning when this behaviour occurs in designated school zones,” he said.
“Motorists should know better and there’s no excuse for such blatant disregard of the road rules.
“All of the offences recorded during Operation Return to School are significant, but the use of methamphetamine behind the wheel is categorically selfish and dangerous.
“Taking drugs and driving presents a serious risk to not just the driver, but to all road users.”
