In an effort to enforce road safety during Schoolies week, police from Gympie, Maryborough and Bundaberg Highway Patrols conducted a high visibility and high volume enforcement operation in Rainbow Beach, on Thursday, November 24 and Friday, November 25.
The operation was conducted with assistance from Wide Bay Tactical Crime Squad and timed with the culmination of Queensland Schoolies and the commencement of the New South Wales Schoolies period.
Over 2,500 roadside breath tests and 49 roadside drug tests were conducted during this time.
It will be alleged by police that two drivers returned a reading above the legal breath alcohol content and eight were detected driving under the influence of drugs.
There were 87 infringement notices issued during the operation, including 38 infringements notices for exceeding the legal speed limit, 25 defective vehicle notices, two defective vehicle repair notices as well as P Plate offences.
Sergeant Chris Watson, Officer in Charge of Highway Patrol Gympie, noted that despite the notices issued, majority were acting safely.
“While some offenders were detected, it was very encouraging that the schoolies encountered during the operation, were enjoying their first week free of school in a safe manner,” he said.
Inspector Brad Inskip of the Gympie Patrol Group is urging motorist to think about their actions behind the wheel.
“Exceeding the speed limit, not wearing seatbelts, fatigue, distractions and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can have dire consequences,” he said.
“Flippant attitudes towards road safety will not be tolerated and you can expect to see police anywhere, anytime.”
A safe environment should be available for all users of the Cooloola Recreational Park, including Noosa North Shore, Teewah Beach, Double Island Point, Rainbow Beach, Cooloola and Tin Can Bay.
Whether travelling on the roads, the beach, the inland tracks or camping, road rules apply and safety should be a priority.
Police will continue to patrol these roads, inland tracks and beaches and are urging the public that if anyone witnesses reckless, unsafe, irresponsible driving practices or anti-social behaviour, to report it to police.
Every complaint will be investigated.
Remember – road safety is everybody’s responsibility and that starts with you.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
