Police have conducted more than 59,000 breath tests across the state, with 58 drivers charged, during day four of Operation Tortoise.
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In all there were 1427 non-speeding traffic infringements, 910 speeding fines issued and 72 major crashes.
NSW Police Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner John Hartley said it’s disappointing that some people continue to be caught drink-driving despite consistent warnings from police.
“If you’re going out to have a drink you need to find another way home, driving is simply not an option,” Assistant Commissioner Hartley said.
“Getting behind the wheel while under the influence can potentially end in catastrophe; you’re not only jeopardising your own safety, but also risking the safety of other road users.
“Drivers need to be aware that RBTs can happen anywhere, at anytime, so if you choose to drink and drive, you will be caught.
“Operation Tortoise continues today and double demerits also remain in place for speeding, seatbelt and motorcycle helmet offences,” Assistant Commissioner Hartley said.
Some further incidents of note during day four of the operation included:
► About 4.30pm Sunday, police from Deniliquin Local Area Command stopped a driver who allegedly crossed onto the incorrect side of the road. The driver, a 25-year-old, returned a breath analysis reading of 0.261. His licence was suspended and he will be issued a court attendance notice for high-range PCA to appear in court.
► About 11.15pm Sunday, officers from Miranda Local Area Command stopped a 19-year-old female driver after she was allegedly observed driving the wrong way down a one-way street in Cronulla. A breath analysis returned an alleged reading of 0.163. Her licence was suspended and she was issued a field court attendance notice for high-range PCA, to appear before court in May.
► Officers from Goulburn Local Area Command stopped a car on Union Street at Goulburn about 1.30pm Sunday and spoke with the four occupants. During a search of the vehicle and one of the occupants, a 25-year-old woman, police allegedly found ecstasy, cannabis, methylamphetamine and Xanax, as well as numerous USB cards. The items were seized for further forensic examination. The woman was charged with supply prohibited drug, possess prohibited drug (two counts) and possess prescribed restricted substance. She was granted conditional bail to appear before Goulburn Local Court on Wednesday.
►About 4pm Sunday, officers from Lake Illawarra Highway Patrol stopped a 22-year-old man from Albion Park, on the Princes Highway at Dapto, after he was allegedly detected travelling at 69kph in a 50kph sign-posted zone. It’s further alleged the driver was unable to produce a licence and checks revealed his licence had been disqualified until 2023. The driver was charged with exceed speed by more than 10kph, drive vehicle during disqualification period, use unregistered motor vehicle and use uninsured motor vehicle. In Wollongong Local Court on Monday, he was granted conditional bail to reappear on May 6, 2014.
► About 12.10am Monday, Fairfield Highway Patrol officers spotted a 24-year-old male driver allegedly travelling at 140kph in an 80kph sign-posted zone, on Elizabeth Drive at Cecil Hills. The driver was issued a traffic infringement notice for exceed speed by more than 45kph and his licence was suspended for six months.