Police have arrested two men who allegedly fled from officers and detected 14 drug drivers during a traffic blitz over the Burnie Show long weekend in Tasmania’s north-west.
Officers conducted 690 random breath tests and issued 40 speeding fines as part of high-visibility operations aimed at improving road safety.
A 20-year-old Penguin man has been charged with evading police, reckless driving and drink-driving after an incident in Burnie. His vehicle was confiscated for six months.
A second man, 24, from Natone, allegedly evaded police at Black River on Saturday and had his vehicle seized for 28 days.
In a separate incident, a 47-year-old Devonport woman was pulled over on the Bass Highway at Latrobe and refused to provide a breath sample.
She was immediately disqualified from driving for two years.
Police also apprehended a 48-year-old Devonport woman for drug driving, while a 24-year-old Devonport man was caught exceeding the alcohol limit.
A 55-year-old Penguin man was charged with driving while disqualified and using an unregistered vehicle.
“It was disappointing to see some motorists made deliberate and reckless decisions that put their lives and the lives of other road users at risk,” police said.
“If you drive in a reckless manner, if you choose to drive while disqualified or attempt to evade police, then you will be caught and police have the powers to confiscate or clamp your vehicle.”
Police warned motorists who attempt to evade police would face serious consequences.
“If you think you are going to get away with it, think again,” police said.
“Before you make the reckless choice to hit the accelerator and flee remember, we will find you and your car and it will be immobilised for the maximum period permitted under the law.”
