Random breath testing stations start up again in NT in time for long weekend

ROADSIDE random breath testing stations will begin again in the NT this long weekend as the first set of restrictions are lifted in the Territory

NT Police random breath testing will begin again just in time for the long weekend

ROADSIDE random breath testing stations will begin again this weekend as the first set of restrictions are lifted.

Police have not set up roadside RBTs since March 17.

NT Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker warned those looking to make the most of the long weekend to follow road rules and COVID-19 restrictions.

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He said there would be a strong focus on road policing this weekend.

“It’s important that we have a high visibility out there and we have appropriate practices in place to know how to do the work that we need to do and how to do it safely,” he said.

He urged people not to rush out to the campsites or waterfalls this weekend, but drive to conditions.

“We’ve got speed limits for a reason don’t rush to get there, take your time to get there, don’t drink and drive, don’t use drugs and drive, don’t use drugs period,” he said.

Mr Chalker warned people not to park on verges or make their own parking spaces at popular waterholes.

“I encourage people to make some secondary plans so if the spot you are aiming to go to when you arrive is full don’t park on verges of roads, don’t try and make your own carparks, because you will be asked to leave the area,” he said.

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“I just ask of common sense through it all, if we can maintain that we can lead the world and that’s something very special for the Northern Territory.”

He warned anyone breaking regulations would be dealt with. “If we arrive to Tuesday with a front page expose with people not observing physical distancing, as I’ve said to my people that’s not something on you, that’s on the individuals that have been captured in the photos, they are the ones we will hold to account for not obliging to community expectations,” he said.

He commended the efforts of Territorians so far and urged people to continue to abide by social distancing restrictions.

“The ability for us to contain COVID-19 and, its spread more importantly, is a significant achievement, but it’s not a time to rest on our laurels, far from it,” he said.

“There’s a lot of nervousness as you can appreciate, where other places in the world, restrictions have been modified and or lifted there have been second waves that have come and have had quite serious health impacts. We are desperate to avoid that.”