Police have charged 147 people with 221 offences as part of a four-month targeted road safety operation across the Southern Region.
Between 1 November and 28 February, Operation Xray Ziggy conducted high visibility policing patrols and static road safety sites at high-risk locations throughout the Ipswich, Darling Downs and South West Districts in an ongoing effort to reduce road trauma.
The operation saw involvement from Highway Patrol and Tactical Crime Units with support from General Duty officers and plain clothes police.
Over the four-month period officers conducted 12, 223 Roadside Breath Tests (RBT’s) and 108 Roadside Drug Tests (RDT’s) with 33 drink drivers and 41 drug drivers detected during the period.
In addition, 491 traffic infringement notices (TIN) were issued with 170 of those for speeding offences.
On November 30, police intercepted a Mazda BT3000 allegedly travelling at 131km/h in a 100km/h zone along the Warrego Highway at Chinchilla.
The driver, a 45-year-old Birkdale man was issued with a TIN resulting in a $1251 fine and loss of six demerit points.
He was also charged with driving under the influence after allegedly returning a positive breath alcohol concentration of 0.243 per cent. He appeared in the Chinchilla Magistrates Court on 5 February.
On 6 November police were conducting roadside drug testing in Plainland when they intercepted a MG Mg5 travelling along Laidley Plainland Road.
The driver a 38-year-old Coolana woman, allegedly returned a positive roadside drug test, resulting in a Notice To Appear in Gatton Magistrates Court on 16 December.
On December 12, police intercepted a Toyota Hilux allegedly travelling at 134km/h in a 100km/h zone along the New England Highway at Nobby.
The driver, a 26-year-old Park Ridge man was issued with a TIN resulting in a $1251 fine and loss of six demerit points.
Southern Region Acting Assistant Commissioner (AC) Doug McDonald said he is disappointed that despite continued efforts by police there are still a high number of road users that continue to drive in a reckless manner.
“During this operation we have seen some shocking driving behaviours by members of our community, which not only endangers their own lives but other road users as well.” Acting AC McDonald said.
“Having seen firsthand the devastating and lifelong impact that road crashes have on families, communities and first responders, it is disheartening to see that some people are still not getting the message.
“Driving is something we need to be responsible doing day in and day out and not act so complacent about, so I implore everyone to stop treating it as though it’s just a casual activity.”
As of March 13, 52 lives have been lost on Queensland roads including seven lives in Darling Downs District, six lives in Ipswich District and one life in South West District.
Timestamps:
0.00-0.25 – On 6 November a 38-year-old Coolana woman, allegedly returned a positive roadside drug test after being intercepted at Plainland.
0.26-0.48 – On November 30, police intercept a Mazda BT3000 allegedly travelling at 131km/h in a 100km/h zone along the Warrego Highway at Chinchilla.
0.49-end – On December 12, police intercept a Toyota Hilux allegedly travelling at 134km/h in a 100km/h zone along the New England Highway at Nobby.
