Operation Spring Break: NQ police in holiday road blitz

North Queensland drivers have been urged to stay safe on the road these September school holidays, with 10 deaths already recorded on Townsville roads this year.

North Queensland drivers have been urged to stay safe on the road these September school holidays, with 10 deaths already recorded on Townsville region roads this year.

Queensland Police Service is launching a massive road policing initiative — Operation Spring Break — on Saturday as the state braces for increased travel during school holidays.

It comes after more than 210 people lost their lives while travelling on Queensland roads so far in 2022.

There had been 10 road deaths recorded in the Townsville district so far this year, compared to 19 at the same time last year.

Across all of North Queensland, there have been 15 deaths on the roads.

Police across the state will be conducting high visibility and overt patrols, speed detection and static and mobile random breath testing (RBT) from September 17 to October 13.

Assistant Commissioner Ben Marcus. Picture: Liam Kidston.

Assistant Commissioner Ben Marcus said peak periods like school holidays often mean a higher occurrence of traffic crashes as travellers navigate long distances and unfamiliar locations.

“It is vital that motorists take responsibility on our roads, ensuring everyone gets home safely starts with the decisions you make behind the wheel,” he said.

“You can expect police anywhere, anytime all year round – but these school holidays, Operation Spring Break will see police out visibly in force.”

Originally published as Operation Spring Break: NQ police in holiday road blitz