Police were left alarmed at the number of motorists caught drink and drug driving on roads in Warrnambool this weekend.
Across two days, police detected eight drivers under the influence of drugs and alcohol, with one driver caught driving more than five times over the legal limit. Concerningly, drivers caught under the influence of drugs included one learner driver, three probationary drivers, and one unlicenced driver.
Those caught by police include:
• A 40-year-old Glenroy man was intercepted by police in Dennington around 2pm on Sunday. He allegedly returned a blood alcohol reading (BAC) of 0.267 – more than five times over the legal limit. As a result, his vehicle was impounded and licence was cancelled and disqualified on the spot. He will appear at Warrnambool Magistrates Court at a later date.
• A 20-year-old Warrnambool man was intercepted on McGregors Road in Warrnambool around 12pm on Saturday. The learner driver was driving without supervision and allegedly returned a positive test for methylamphetamine. Police also impounded his vehicle after the rear tyres were deemed unroadworthy. He will appear at Warrnambool Magistrates Court at a later date.
• A 40-year-old Panmure man was intercepted on Glenrowe Avenue around 1.40pm on Saturday. He allegedly returned a positive test for methylamphetamine. He received a penalty notice and six-month loss of licence.
• A 30-year-old man was intercepted on McGregors Rd around 3pm on Saturday. He was caught driving without a licence and allegedly returned a positive test for methylamphetamine. He will appear at Warrnambool Magistrates Court at a later date.
• A 20-year-old Warrnambool woman was also intercepted on McGregors road at 3pm on Saturday. The probationary driver allegedly returned a positive test for cannabis. As a result, she received a penalty notice and six-month loss of licence.
• A 30-year-old Warrnambool man was intercepted in a carpark on Kepler Street around 4.30pm. The probationary driver allegedly returned a positive test for methylamphetamine. He was also detected driving without displaying probationary plates. He will appear at Warrnambool Magistrates Court at a later date.
• An international driver was entered a breath testing site in Warrnambool around 6pm. Police allegedly spotted a young child sitting on the driver’s lap. The driver received a penalty notice.
• A 50-year-old Warrnambool woman was intercepted on Kepler Street around 6.30pm. She allegedly returned a positive test for Cannabis and will appear at Warrnambool Magistrates Court at a later date.
• A 20-year-old Yarpturk woman was intercepted on Gateway Road around 3pm on Sunday after allegedly driving through a red light. The probationary driver was also allegedly driving without displaying probationary plates. She also tested positive for cannabis and received a penalty notice and six-month loss of licence.
Police warn there will be zero tolerance for drink driving – with first-time offenders who go even a little bit over the limit facing substantial penalties, including fines, loss of licence and disqualification.
The penalties are significantly more severe for drivers with higher BAC readings and repeat offenders – including possible jail time for the most serious offences involving alcohol.
Quotes attributable to Acting Senior Sergeant Lisa McRae – Western Division 2 Road Safety Manager:
“The behaviour police witnessed on the roads this weekend in Warrnambool was absolutely appalling.
“There is no excuse for drink or drug driving – and doing so demonstrates a blatant disregard to all road users.
“The highs of drugs will never outweigh the lows of fines, potential jail time, and a guilty conscience from causing serious harm.
“Make no mistake, if you endanger lives on our roads, we will find you and ensure you’re held accountable.”
