North Coast Region Highway Patrol Units and Road Policing Task Force have issued almost 700 traffic infringement notices through Operation Whiskey Annex, focused on saturating the Bruce Highway.
Operation Whiskey Annex concluded yesterday, June 20, after three months of high frequency, directed, saturation patrols of the Bruce Highway between the Pine Rivers Bridge, Murrumba Downs and Gin Gin.
The road safety initiative, coordinated by the Road Policing Task Force, chose to focus on the Bruce Highway as it carries the highest traffic volume of any road in the state and sees high levels of road trauma each year.
Throughout the three-month operation, a total of 696 infringement notices were issued, and police detected six high speed offences, seven people driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and 18 unlicenced drivers.
As one operation closes, another launches – Operation Cold Snap kicks off on Saturday, June 22, to coincide with the winter school holidays.
The two-week road safety blitz will work to ensure all road users get to their destination safely these school holidays.
Highway Patrol will implement a high visibility strategy, involving roadside breath testing, stationary observation, and overt and covert patrols along highways and major road corridors across the Wide Bay Burnett district.
North Coast Region Assistant Commissioner Glenn Morris said many motorists travel long distances during the holidays.
“This operation has been created to address the specific challenges that come with a significant increase in traffic volumes across the entire road network during the school holidays,” he said.
“If you’re off on a road trip, or traveling any distance, over the next couple weeks, please be extra vigilant on the roads.
“To ensure safer roads, we will continue to focus our efforts on proven causes to vehicle crashes including speed, impaired driving, fatigue, seat belt use, driver distraction and vehicle safety standards.
“Sadly, as of June 20, there has been 133 lives lost on roads across the state, with 13 of those being in the Wide Bay Burnett district.
“Each one of these lives lost is a tragedy and the Highway Patrol, and all officers that support the work they do, are committed to strengthening road safety and preventing any increase in that number.”
