In a bid to target motorist safety, Manning Great Lakes Police District conducted a 48 hour blitz on drink and drug driving as well as defects on heavy vehicles.
The traffic operation, known as Operation Manning, saw police, traffic and highway patrol services, a drug dog and Road and Maritime Services conduct random breath tests, random drug tests and heavy vehicle inspections between Tuesday, November 13 and Thursday, November 15 at the Four Mile Rest Area south of Taree.
Manning Great Lakes Police District Commander Superintendent Shane Cribb said the operation was part of an ongoing strategy to reduce road accidents.
One fatal is one too many.
- Shane Cribb, Manning Great Lakes Police District Commander
“The reason behind these traffic operations is already year to date there’s been 300 accidents in NSW resulting in fatals, there’s been 98 accidents in the northern region alone resulting in fatals and unfortunately we’ve had seven in this police district resulting in fatals.
“Unfortunately people aren’t getting the message so we will continue to target those people who drive motor vehicles under the effects of alcohol, under the effects of drugs and we will also target heavy vehicles who think they can drive up and down the Pacific Highway breaching regulations and laws.
“The public need to be able to drive on the roads all across NSW feeling safe,” Commander Cribb said.
Officers conducted 4548 random breath tests over the 48 hours. This resulted in two PCA charges - one low range and one high range.
Officers recorded 10 positive results from 807 random drug tests. Eighty infringement notices and seven defect notices were issued.
Three heavy vehicles offences were recorded from 265 vehicle stops.
“I have a large length of Pacific Highway in my police district so I will continue to target those people who think they can drive against the law. One fatal is one too many.
“It’s not about getting the results - it’s about putting the message out there to people and if this acts as a deterrent that’s my main aim,” Commander Cribb said.
Commander Cribb said the response from motorists was positive.
“We haven’t had anyone upset by our actions.
“Unfortunately the only ones who are upset are those who are committing offences,” Commander Cribb said.
