A learner driver has been caught doing 97km/h in a 50km/h zone while allegedly more than four times over the legal standard blood alcohol limit during a long weekend blitz in Tasmania’s south-east.
The 43-year-old Sorell man returned a breath test reading of 0.217 after being pulled over on Gordon Street on Saturday.
He was one of six drivers allegedly detected over the limit during a joint police operation between Sorell and Primrose Sands.
A 57-year-old Primrose Sands man was also caught without a seatbelt before returning a reading of 0.185 on Grevillea Street.
A 55-year-old Orielton man was intercepted on the Tasman Highway after his vehicle ran out of fuel and stopped on McGees Bridge.
He returned a reading of 0.155 and received a 24-month licence disqualification.
A 31-year-old Dodges Ferry man and a 21-year-old Bellerive woman, who blew 0.079, also returned positive readings.
In a separate incident, a 20-year-old P2 driver from Gretna was allegedly clocked at 158km/h in a 100km/h zone at Austins Ferry.
His vehicle was clamped for 28 days and he will face court, police said.
Four other drivers were also issued speeding infringements.
Acting Sergeant Shane Etherington said the results were disappointing, given Tasmania’s road toll history.
“It’s very concerning that road users continue to put themselves and other Tasmanian drivers at risk with such blatant disregard for the road rules,” he said.
“Drink driving is a conscious choice and one that significantly increases the risk of serious injury or death.”
