More than 250 infringements issued and 37 people have been charged with drink/drug-driving offences following a state-wide traffic operation at the weekend.
Operation Fume ran on Friday 9 September and 10 September 2022, targeting drug and alcohol driving offences, and general road compliance across the western region.
The high-visibility operation involved officers attached to Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, supported by general duties officers from local police districts.
During the operation, police conducted 1093 roadside drug tests, resulting in 86 positive drug tests.
Police also conducted 3971 random breath tests, which resulted in 37 people being charged with PCA offences.
Western Region Operations Manager, Superintendent Luke Rankin said these operations ensure there is no complacency on the road and that the right choices are made.
‘Consuming alcohol or drugs impairs your ability to operate a road vehicle and can lead to life-changing consequences,” Supt Rankin said.
“The message is simple, keep to the speed limit, wear a seatbelt, and a helmet for motorcyclists, having a plan B to get home safely if you are drinking, and focusing on the road.
“Officers attached to the Western Region Command will continue to provide safer regional roads across our region.”
Incidents of note:
Just after 9am on Saturday (10 September 2022), officers attached to Oxley Traffic and Highway Patrol were conducting stationary roadside breath testing, when they stopped a blue utility and spoke with the driver – a 27-year-old man. The man returned a positive breath test and was taken to Tamworth Police Station where a breath analysis returned an alleged reading of 0.261. He was issued a future court attendance notice for drive high range PCA and unlicenced driver. He will appear at Tamworth Local Court on Monday 10 October 2022.
About 8.10pm on Saturday (10 September 2022), officers attached Central West Police District stopped a white Ford Escape, and conducted a random breath test, returning a positive result. He was taken to Orange Police Station where a breath analysis returned an alleged reading of 0.229. The P2 driver – a 22-year-old man – was given a future court attendance notice for drive with high range PCA and drive motor vehicle during disqualification period. He will appear at Orange Local Court Thursday 13 October 2022.
The community can expect similar operations within the command in the future.
