Police have issued 26 infringement notices and laid three charges following a traffic operation in the Maitland area last week.
On Friday 28 August 2026, officers attached to Port Stephens/Manning and Newcastle-Hunter Highway Patrol, assisted by Port Stephens-Hunter Police District and PolAir, conducted Operation Token in Maitland and surrounding suburbs.
The operation focused on road safety, anti-social riding and driving behaviour, and traffic-related offences.
As a result of the operation, officers issued 26 Traffic Infringement Notices and laid three charges.
Two positive drug detections were identified, with inquiries into both incidents continuing.
Incidents of note include:
- About 11.55am, police were patrolling Denton Park Drive, Rutherford, when they detected a vehicle travelling at approximately 102km/h in a signposted 50km/h zone. Police stopped the vehicle and spoke with the driver, a 35-year-old woman. She underwent a roadside drug test that allegedly returned a positive result for cocaine and methamphetamine. A secondary fluid sample was sent for further analysis. The woman was issued an infringement for Class A motor vehicle exceed speed greater than 45km/h and her licence was suspended for six months. Inquiries are continuing.
- About 1.05pm, police were patrolling the New England Highway at Rutherford when they observed a motorbike with an unreadable number plate. Police stopped the motorbike on Howarth Street a short time later and spoke with the rider, a 46-year-old man. Following inquiries, officers established that the rider’s licence had allegedly been suspended and the motorbike had been reported stolen from Telarah. The man was charged with drive motor vehicle during disqualification period, and goods in personal custody suspected being stolen. He was issued a court attendance notice to appear before Maitland Local Court on Wednesday 30 September 2026. The motorbike was seized and taken to Maitland Police Station. The owner has been notified and will collect the bike.
- About 3.15pm, police were patrolling East Maitland when they stopped a vehicle for random testing. Inquiries established that the driver, a 61-year-old woman, had a disqualified licence. She was issued a court attendance notice for drive whilst disqualified. She is due to appear before Maitland Local Court on Wednesday 14 October 2026.
Similar operations will continue in the future.
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