Police fine hundreds of drivers at Hervey Bay car event

More than 1600 drivers were given random breath and drug tests during a four-day police operation at a car enthusiast show on the Fraser Coast.

More than 270 drivers have been caught in random breath tests at Hervey Bay across the weekend as part of the major crack down on drink and drug driving. Picture Glenn Hampson

More than 270 fines have been dished out at Hervey Bay as part of a major crackdown on driving offences including drink and drug driving.

Police said in a media release on Wednesday that at the weekend officers conducted more than 1600 random breath and drug tests in Hervey Bay during Operation Whiskey Afrino, resulting in more than 270 fines.

Led by highway patrol Maryborough, officers from a number of districts aimed to maintain road safety during the May in the Bay event.
May in the Bay is a gathering for car enthusiasts.

Police were generally pleased with the behaviour of the crowd and drivers, however many were intercepted by police for issues including unlicensed driving, not wearing a seatbelt and not wearing a motorbike helmet.

The police crackdown on drink driving was carried out during May in the Bay car event.

Out of 64 drug tests conducted, 32 drivers were ordered to appear in court for drug driving, and of the 1525 random breath tests conducted, four people were issued with orders to appear for drink driving.
Police said 74 fines were handed out for speeding, with some drivers caught travelling more than 150km/h.

Maryborough Patrol Group Acting Inspector Shelley Moore said this comes as a timely reminder during National Road Safety Week, saying “11 people have already lost their lives on roads in the Wide Bay Burnett District so far this year and that’s 11 too many”.

“By making poor decisions when getting behind the wheel, you are not only putting yourself at risk of death or serious injury, but your passengers, other road users and pedestrians,” Inspector Moore said.

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Originally published as Police fine hundreds of drivers at Hervey Bay car event