Drink driving was the focus of a road safety enforcement campaign conducted across the region over the weekend.
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On February 15 and 16 the Hume Police District participated in the state-wide Operation Drink Drive.
More than 10,900 breath tests were conducted over the weekend within the district and resulted in 11 persons being charged with drink driving offences. Police also issued 279 traffic infringement notices including 168 for exceed speed related offences.
About 4:45pm on Sunday, February 16 police stopped a Hyundai sedan on The Hume Highway, Goulburn after it was allegedly detected travelling at 140km/h in a 110km/h zone. Police spoke with the driver, a 49-year-old man from Croydon and he was subjected to a roadside breath test which proved positive. He was arrested and taken to Goulburn Police Station. A breath analysis produced an alleged reading of 0.153. The man's driver's licence was immediately suspended, and he was issued a Court Attendance Notice for High Range Drink Driving. He is due to appear at Goulburn Local Court on March 11.
About 5:30pm the same day police conducting roadside breath testing stopped a Toyota utility on Hume Street, Goulburn. Police spoke with the driver, a 31-year-old man from Bongaree Qld and he was subjected to a roadside breath test which proved positive. He was arrested and taken to Goulburn Police Station. A breath analysis produced an alleged reading of 0.184. The man's driver's licence was immediately suspended, and he was issued a Court Attendance Notice for High Range Drink Driving. He is due to appear at Goulburn Local Court on March 11.
About 8:20am on Friday, February 14 police stopped a Hyundai sedan on Bowral Street, Bowral. Police spoke with the driver, a 58-year-old man from Willow Vale and he was subjected to a roadside breath test which proved positive. Enquiries on the man's licence showed it was cancelled from 2011. The man was issued a Court Attendance Notice for High Range Drink Driving and Unlicensed Driver. He is due to appear at Moss Vale Local Court on March 17.
The Hume Police District commander superintendent Chris Schilt said that while happy with the majority of driver behaviour, was disappointed that some drivers are still taking the risk of driving under the influence of alcohol.
"Recent tragic events in Sydney, involving the death of four children, should highlight the need for people to realise that drink driving will not be tolerated" he said.
Police will be continuing traffic operations and urge drivers to comply with the road rules to ensure the safety of the community.
Southern region commander assistant commissioner Joe Cassar said while the majority of road users did the right thing, the message wasn't sinking in with a select few.
"People are definitely getting the message in relation to the dangers of drink driving, but one positive test is one too many," he said.
"We will not hesitate to stop a vehicle if we think the driver's behaviour places everyone in the vehicle at risk of being in a crash.
"The focus on drink driving will not end because the operation has. Anyone who chooses to do the wrong thing on our roads and put others in danger will face the full brunt of the law."
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