It’s been a “very disappointing” long weekend for police in the north-west, who pulled over several drivers for drink driving, speeding and driving without a licence.
Inspector Adam Spencer said that despite warnings of increased police presence over the holiday period, many drivers were caught breaking the law.
“We were out and about in rural and popular tourist areas as we said we would be,” he said.
“This included a major police operation in the Smithton and Arthur River areas.”
“Between Queenstown, Smithton, Devonport and Burnie, our police issued 24 infringement notices.”
Among the offenders was a 28-year-old man from Devonport who was caught driving almost five times the legal alcohol limit at 0.243.
He was immediately disqualified from driving and will appear in court.
A 40-year-old woman from Burnie was also intercepted following reports she was driving under the influence after leaving a licensed premises.
She blew 0.178, was also disqualified from driving and will face charges in court.
A 66-year-old man from Montagu was caught drink driving and not wearing a seatbelt, while a 60-year-old man from Boat Harbour failed a drug test and had small quantities of a controlled substance in his vehicle.
Both men have been charged and will appear in court.
A 26-year-old man from Devonport was arrested for hooning charges and the vehicle he was driving was clamped, while a 33-year-old woman from the same town was found driving disqualified.
Two speeding drivers were caught on the West Coast and in Forest, with one travelling 32km/h over the limit and the other at 33km/h above the posted speed.
Both drivers received five demerit points and fines of $606.
“Police will again be out in force as the long weekend continues today, you can expect to see us again on highways, urban and rural roads,” Spencer said.
“Please do the right thing and obey the road rules so everyone can get home safely.”
