368 traffic infringement notices issued during Operation Whiskey Overtake

Police are urging road users to drive safely after they undertook 8,682 roadside breath tests, 279 roadside drug tests during a huge Central Qld traffic operation. VIDEO.

Police have urged road users to watch their speed and follow other road rules after they issued 368 traffic infringement notices across two different highways during a Central Queensland traffic operation.

Operation Whiskey Overtake was conducted from November 19 to November 22 and targeted vehicles driving in both directions along the Bruce Highway, north of Sarina, and Gregory Highway at Theresa Creek.

The primary focus of the operation was on motorcyclists and heavy vehicle operators in the Capricornia and Mackay Whitsunday districts.

During the operation police undertook 8,682 roadside breath tests and 279 roadside drug tests, with 22 motorists returned a positive result.

The 25-year-old man was issued with a $1,854 fine, the loss of eight demerit points, and an immediate six-month licence suspension.

This included a 51-year-old Sarina Range man who gave a positive roadside drug test result at Sarina.

He was given a notice to appear for driving under the influence and was issued with a 24 hour drivers license suspension notice.

Along with this, 38 people were issued infringement notices for driving unregistered or unlicensed vehicles and 16 people were issued notices for disqualified or unlicensed driving.
Police also intercepted 362 heavy vehicles and issued eight cautions for biosecurity offences, and 184 speeding tickets were issued during the operation.

This included a 25-year-old Emerald man who was allegedly seen driving at 157kmh in a 100kmh zone on the Gregory Highway outside of Emerald.

A 51-year-old Sarina Range man provided a positive roadside drug test result at Sarina. He was given a notice to appear for driving under the influence and was issued with a 24-hour drivers license suspension notice.

The man was issued with a $1854 fine, the loss of eight demerit points and an immediate six-month license suspension.

Capricornia District Highway Patrol Officer in Charge Senior Sergeant Ewan Findlater said road safety was a priority for Central Queensland police.
“Operations such as these are essential to strengthening road safety in our community,” said Senior Sergeant Findlater.

“We want to remind motorists that road safety is everyone’s responsibility, and to remember that every decision behind the wheel counts.”

“Watch your speed, don’t drive while under the influence, take regular breaks when travelling for long periods of time, wear your seatbelt, don’t use your phone while driving, and you can keep yourself, your passengers, and all others on the road safe.”