Brisbane’s bayside has recorded a spike in drink driving since the outbreak of the coronavirus

Some Brisbane residents appear to be taking advantage of a change in methods from Queensland Police after a spike in drink driving during the outbreak of the coronavirus.

Generic picture of Police conducting a Random Breath Test (RBT).

BRISBANE residents appear to be taking advantage of a change in methods from Queensland Police after a spike in drink driving cases in recent weeks.

The rise comes after police recently announced they would not be setting up random breath testing sites in an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Wynnum Police senior sergeant Wayne Richter said while there hasn’t been an increase in many other crimes in the area, including unruly behaviour at shopping centres, that was not the case for drink driving.

The district has had a rise of more than 10 per cent this month compared to other months in cases of driving under the influence, which has led to a stern message from Snr-Sgt Richter.

COUNCIL CLOSE BAYSIDE AQUA FACILITIES

SCHOOL VANDALISED AFTER PARENT TESTS POSITIVE

“One thing I want to reinforce is the message that while we won’t be setting up large random breath testing sites on the side of the road, Police will still be intercepting vehicles for random breath tests,” Snr-Sgt Richter said.

Wynnum Police senior Sgt Wayne Richter. Picture: AAP/Renae Droop

“Driving under the influence can have a big impact on so many people’s lives and that’s why it is such a big focus for us.

“It’s too early to know whether people are taking advantage in the change of methods from us during this period because of the coronavirus but hopefully people don’t think they can because we are still testing.”

The recent positive tests includes a 45-year-old Wakerley man, who returned a blood alcohol concentration of 0.232 per cent on March 16 at 10.30pm after being intercepted by police on Manly Rd, Manly.

He appeared at the Wynnum Magistrates Court on March 24 after being charged with driving while under the influence of liquor, where he pleaded guilty and had no conviction recorded but was fined $1500 and had his license suspended for six months.

$1 for 28 days: Full digital subscription

A 42-year-old man from Manly also returned a positive test after he allegedly crashed into a Thai restaurant on the intersection of Tingal Rd and Glenora St in Wynnum around 10.30pm on March 18.

“On arrival police found that the driver of a Mazda sedan had lost control of his vehicle and crashed into the front doors and glass windows of the Thai restaurant at the location,” Snr-Sgt Richter said.

“Due to his injuries, a specimen of his blood was obtained for further testing.”