A total of 260 motorists have been ‘nabbed’ driving under the influence of alcohol during a major weekend road safety blitz in greater Sydney.
Operation Nabbed, a high-visibility traffic operation, ran on Friday (6 September 2019) and Saturday (7 September), where officers from Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, supported by General Duties police, conducted random and stationary breath tests on the M2, M4, M5, M7, M1 and Princes Highway between 9pm and 4am.
Police conducted more than 75,000 breath tests over the two-day operation and 260 drivers were charged with drink-driving offences.
NSW Police Force’s Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Superintendent Greg Rolph said if you are affected by alcohol, you should not take control of a vehicle.
“We see time and time again that driving under the influence impairs your decisions. Don’t add to our road toll by putting yourself or another innocent party at risk because of a momentary lapse in the decision-making process.”
In addition to the drink-driving charges, 119 charges for other traffic offences were laid and police issued a total of 1928 Traffic Infringement Notices.
NSW Centre for Road Safety Executive Director, Bernard Carlon said there are no excuses for misbehaviour on NSW roads.
“When you get behind the wheel, consider how your decisions could affect others – follow the road rules, have a Plan B if you’ve been drinking, wear your seatbelt and don’t speed. When you behave dangerously you aren’t just risking your own life, but the lives of innocent people, including your passengers,” Mr Carlon said.
“Drink driving is a serious offence with potentially deadly consequences. NSW takes a zero-tolerance approach to drink driving and drivers who are above the legal alcohol limit have no place on our roads.”
Of note from the operation, a KTM motorcycle was allegedly detected speeding on the M4 and failed to stop for officers. A brief pursuit was terminated due to dangerous driving. A short time later, the motorcycle was found abandoned on the Prospect Highway, after crashing into a tree.
The rider, who is disqualified from driving until 2046, was arrested in bushes nearby. Police will allege the motorcycle was stolen.
A 32-year-old man was taken to Westmead Hospital for treatment and upon release, charged with two counts of police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously (Skye’s Law), two counts of driver recklessly/furiously/manner dangerous, negligent driving, drive motor vehicle during disqualification period and drive conveyance taken without consent of owner.
The man was refused bail and appeared before Parramatta Court yesterday (Sunday 8 September 2019), where he was formally bail refused to appear before Blacktown Local Court on Thursday 12 September 2019.
Key statistics for Operation Nabbed (September 6-7, 2019):
Breath tests performed – 75,574
Drink driving charges laid – 260
Traffic charges – 119
Traffic Infringement Notices Issued – 1928
