Townsville Police launch Operation Sierro Noella in lead up to Christmas

A devastating year of death on Townsville’s roads cannot be taken back, but the region’s police are doing everything they can to prevent any more senseless tragedy in the lead up to Christmas.

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A DEVASTATING year of death on Townsville’s roads cannot be taken back, but the region’s police are doing everything they can to prevent any more senseless tragedy in the lead up to Christmas.

Townsville Police will tomorrow kick off Operation Sierra Noella, a three-week road safety blitz to get drivers home to their loved ones, and warned drivers to do the right thing.

Townsville District is headed on the trajectory of the worst 12 months of road deaths in at least five years, with 19 fatalities already recorded since January.

It is five more tragic deaths than last year, and eight more than 2018.

The district’s tally makes up more than 40 per cent of the Northern Region’s road toll, which sits at 48 deaths.

Acting Inspector Mark Camilleri said the numbers were “absolutely atrocious” despite COVID-19, and each statistic had a grieving family behind it.

Acting Inspector Mark Camilleri launched the Christmas Road Safety campaign in Townsville today. PICTURE: MATT TAYLOR.

“I have no idea why it’s (fatalities) have gone up … you would have thought with COVID-19 you’d see less people on the roads,” he said.

“Obviously speed is always a big factor (in road deaths), and fatigue.”

Act Insp Camilleri said driving after being awake for more than 17 hours was the same as driving over the alcohol limit.

“People just don’t realise … make sure you’re aware of the surroundings and make sure you are in control of the car.”

Act Insp Camilleri said police will be out in numbers to try and prevent any further tragedies, targeting the fatal five in both high-visibility and unmarked patrols.

He encouraged people to be mindful of regional roads, drive to the conditions and put down the extra rum ball if planning to drive.

The blitz will run from December 9 to December 29.

Originally published as Townsville Police launch Operation Sierro Noella in lead up to Christmas