Police target dangerous driving in weekend blitz in Brighton Le Sands

Drivers were fined and charged after police were out in force in Sydney’s south targeting anti-social and dangerous driving, traffic violations, defective vehicles and drink and drug driving.

Operation Engage was carried out at Botany Bay Foreshore and targeted anti-social and dangerous driving, traffic violations, defective vehicles and drink and drug driving on Saturday March 4, 2023. Picture: NSW Police

More than 40 motorists have been fined and three charged during a multi-agency operation targeting dangerous driving and disruptive behaviour in Sydney’s south at the weekend.

Operation Engage was carried out at Botany Bay Foreshore and targeted anti-social and dangerous driving, traffic violations, defective vehicles and drink and drug driving between 4.30pm and 11.45pm on Saturday.

During the operation, officers issued 43 fines to people for using modified vehicles without compliance certificates, defects in light vehicles and for speeding.

Of the 60 random breath tests and 25 random drug tests conducted, one returned a positive reading to alcohol while two people returned a positive drug test.

More than 40 motorists have been fined with three charged during a multi-agency operation. Picture: NSW Police

Transport for NSW inspected 21 vehicles, identifying 21 defects, while the Environmental Protection Agency inspected 14 vehicles with 11 defects found.

St George Police Area Commander Superintendent Rohan Cramsie said although he wants people to enjoy their vehicles, there are some things police won’t tolerate.

“We won’t tolerate people who put their own safety, the safety of others, and the safety of the community at risk,” Superintendent Cramsie said.

Of the 60 random breath tests and 25 random drug tests conducted, one returned a positive reading to alcohol while two people returned a positive drug test. Picture: NSW Police

Police highlighted some concerning incidents including when a 41-year-old man was allegedly caught driving while disqualified on Princes St, Brighton Le Sands, about 4.30pm.

He was arrested and taken to Kogarah Police Station, where he was charged with drive motor vehicle during disqualification period.

He is due to appear at Sutherland Local Court on March 28.

Transport for NSW inspected 21 vehicles, identifying 21 defects, while the Environmental Protection Agency inspected 14 vehicles with 11 defects found. Picture: NSW Police

A 26-year-old driver was charged with giving a false name or home address, unlawfully possessing a driver’s licence, and driving a motor vehicle during disqualification period after he was stopped on Riverside Dr, Sans Souci about 10.30pm.

He is due to appear in Sutherland Local Court on May 2.

A Nissan Navara travelling on Russell Ave, Sans Souci about 6.30pm was stopped for a random breath test.

The 29-year-old P2 driver allegedly returned a positive result before he was arrested and taken to Kogarah Police Station where he allegedly blew a blood alcohol reading of 0.015.

He was charged with driving a motor vehicle during a disqualification period and drink driving and was also fined for speeding.

The man will appear in Sutherland Local Court on March 28.

During the operation, officers issued 43 fines to people for using modified vehicles without compliance certificates, defects in light vehicles and for speeding. Picture: NSW Police

The police operation came after Bayside Council closed Bay St, Brighton-Le-Sands from 5pm Friday to 10pm Sunday, between The Grand Parade intersection and Moate Ave for three weekends in February to combat hooning and activate our town centres in summer.

The road closure aimed to make the precinct safer and pedestrian-friendly by creating a pedestrian mall, as well as being a traffic calming device to address hooning concerns.

There were also business and community-led activities.

Police along with Transport for NSW and the Environmental Protections Authority conducted Operation Engage at the Botany Bay Foreshore. Picture: NSW Police

A council spokesman said feedback about the closure had been “overwhelmingly positive, and inevitably some negative comments particularly from residents in streets where traffic was diverted”.

“The strongest takeout from the closure was the reduction of hooning behaviour in and around Bay Street. This became more noticeable with each weekend closure,” the spokeswoman said.

“The streets were taken over with people, enjoying the outdoor dining provided by Bay Street traders, kids riding their bikes, chalk art on the roadway and buskers entertaining crowds.

“Working with Transport for NSW, the council is now evaluating the impact of the closure on community access, hooning, trading and traffic on surrounding areas before proceeding with the next round of closures scheduled for May/June this year.”

People can still provide feedback through the council’s website until March 13.