Gympie region police are out in full force at popular tourist hotspots during the holiday period, targeting campers and visitors that engage in risk taking behaviour with their vehicles on the beach.
Police will conduct increased beachside patrols and enforcement activity at the Cooloola Coast, Teewah Beach and Noosa North Shore as part of the safety blitz.
Over three days between 27 and 30 December, police issued 118 Traffic Infringement Notices (TINs) in relation to a number of traffic offences such as speeding, defective vehicles, unsecured loads and failing to wear a helmet.
One 17-year-old boy was issued a TIN for having his body on outside of his vehicle after he was allegedly seen by police to be sitting on the passenger side windowsill of the vehicle that was travelling in an 80kph zone.
Police conducted 229 roadside breath tests (RBTs) and 23 roadside drug tests (RDTs) over the same period.
Five drivers allegedly tested positive to a relevant drug.
A 23-year-old man from Bundaberg was charged with drink driving after allegedly returning a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.051 per cent and will appear before the Gympie Magistrates Court on 18 January 18.
It follows the launch of Operation Mistletoe earlier in December, a state-wide road safety campaign targeting the Fatal Five; speeding, failure to wear seatbelts, drink and drug driving, fatigue and driver distraction, during the festive season.
Tragically, 277 people lost their lives on Queensland roads in 2023.
Wide Bay District Superintendent Paul Algie said drivers can expect to see police anywhere and anytime.
“Every decision you make behind the wheel counts.
“Driving on beaches can be hazardous and dangerous.
“The surfaces are different from what most of us are used to and require drivers to take additional care.
“Vehicle standards are safety standards. Defective or unroadworthy vehicles will be intercepted and drivers issued with infringement notices, and we make no apology for that.
“Safety should be every motorist’s priority every time they get behind the wheel, regardless of their location,” he said.
“The same road rules apply when driving on a beach, or in national parks, as they do when driving on any street in Queensland.
“We want everyone to have a happy and safe school holiday period, and that starts with arriving at your destination safely.”
