The Territory’s traffic police hit the highway ahead on the recent Red Centre Nats, with the combined goal of providing additional resources in Alice Springs for the big event, and conducting traffic patrols the length of the Territory.
Between 31 August and 7 September, Darwin Traffic Operations focussed on the ‘Fatal Five’ – speeding, drink/drug driving, seatbelts, fatigue and distraction – testing thousands of drivers for alcohol and drugs.
Officer in Charge, Senior Sergeant John Ginnane said that the vast majority of drivers were doing the right thing.
“It’s only a small percentage of our road users who ignore the rules and put the rest of the community at risk. However, rest assured that this small percentage have our undivided attention.”
2167 vehicles were stopped with the following results:
Alcohol tests performed
- 2163 returned negative breath tests
- 1 x Low range drink driving
- 2 x Medium range drink driving
- 1 x refusal to supply breath analysis
Drug tests performed (122)
- 118 tested negative
- 4 x tested positive
Actions taken
- 2 x Arrests
- 8 x Notices to Appear
- 1 x Defect notice
- 73 x Traffic infringement notices
“This was an extensive operation that wasn’t just focused on traffic. Our members assisted in any way they could, from property offence arrests to general disturbances,” Senior Sergeant Ginnane said.
“Our team helped with the apprehension of a vehicle stolen from Alice Springs that was driven to Tennant Creek. We assisted with a gentleman whose motor home struck a kangaroo and then burst into flames near Adelaide River; gave general duties officers a hand attending unlawful entries in Alice Springs; assisted Alice Springs Police in quelling anti-social behaviour following the CAFL finals at Traeger Park, and also picked up a man in breach of his domestic violence order.”
While travelling along the highway, the officers also stopped at regional and remote police stations to familiarise regional members with new and improved roadside drug testing tools.
During the next month, the team will be conducting further long-range patrols as far as Nhulunbuy and will be training more regional and remote members in the drug tests.
“If you get behind the wheel and you are under the influence, and if you believe you’re untouchable because the police aren’t usually in your area of the Northern Territory, you can expect an unpleasant blue-and-white checkered surprise because we’ll find you. We will find you,” Senior Sergeant Ginnane said.
