A Launceston driver has been fined after they drove into a police checkpoint while their front seat passenger had a child on their lap.
Sergeant Ben Kromkamp said the 9-year-old child was spotted “sitting on the lap” of a passenger in the front seat during the Saturday night operation on Bathurst Street.
“This is of major concern for police and shows a complete disregard for the safety of the child, who are our most vulnerable road users,” Kromkamp said.
The driver has received a penalty notice of 3 demerit points and was fined $390.
Another driver was found to be driving drunk at 1.16 times the legal alcohol limit after being seen driving without their lights on.
Out of the 45 vehicles selected for random inspection, over 70% were discovered to have defects including tyre, suspension and exhaust issues as well as non-compliant tinting.
2 unregistered vehicles, 1 unlicensed driver and 2 passengers not wearing seat belts were also identified.
Sergeant Kromkamp said the results were ‘disappointing’.
“To help ensure safe roads in our state, we will continue to conduct operations such as these to focus on high-risk offences, including seat belt compliance and drink driving.”
“Motorists will be held to account with continued operations aimed at curbing such behaviour.”
“It’s also a timely reminder to ensure the vehicle your driving is roadworthy.”
“If the vehicle isn’t complaint, then it’s not safe to drive.”
