Queensland Police Service launch Christmas campaign to curb Christmas road toll
Queensland’s top traffic cop has warned motorists he expects ‘each and every person on the road’ to be breath-tested over the next few weeks as officers saturate the roads across the festive season.
Crime & Justice
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THE state’s top traffic cop hopes every single driver on Queensland roads is breath-tested this summer, as police ramp up efforts to reduce the holiday road toll.
Launching the Christmas road safety campaign on3 the Gold Coast yesterday, Assistant Commissioner Michael Keating vowed police would be out in force to catch motorists flouting the law, targeting every offence from speeding to not wearing seatbelts.
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The Queensland road toll for 2018 stands at 230, four down on last year, but according to Mr Keating it is 230 too many.
He said traffic police would be out in force during the holiday break, with beefed-up patrol numbers and extra squads devoted to random-breath-test units.
Last year saw a number of horrific accidents during the holiday period, including Christmas Day in tragedies that have ruined dozens of lives.
“No matter where you are in the state you will see an increased police presence,” Mr Keating said.
“I hope you see a random breath test and I hope you are breath-tested.
“I hope each and every person on the road is breath-tested over the next few weeks.
“We are sending out a very clear message.”
He said increased RBTs would be part of a multi-pronged approach including extra mobile patrol units and more speed cameras.
“A lot of resources and an enormous amount of planning has gone in to this,” he said.
“This Christmas we just want to see everyone make it home safely and enjoy the time spent with loved ones.”
Queensland Police Minister Mark Ryan said every effort was being made to reduce the road toll which traditionally spikes over the busy Christmas period.
“If we could have one Christmas wish, it would be for zero fatalities on Queensland roads through the holiday period,” he said.
The holiday safety campaign starts tomorrow and runs until February.
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