Police issues over 270 fines for drugs, drinking and dangerous driving at beach
A child allegedly riding on an adult's lap in a moving car is among the disturbing incidents uncovered by police during a major crackdown on dangerous beach driving.
Queensland Police Service (QPS) has revealed the results of Operation Sandstorm on the Sunshine Coast, which targeted reckless and unsafe driving behaviour on Noosa North Shore over the Easter and Labour Day long weekends.
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The four-wheel driving beach is legally considered a road under Queensland law, meaning standard road rules apply.
Across the two long weekends, officers from Sunshine Coast Police and Highway Patrol conducted high-visibility patrols targeting speeding, drink and drug driving, seatbelt and helmet compliance, and unroadworthy vehicles.
More than 270 fines, child on lap sparks outrage
In total, police confirmed 2356 random breath tests (RBT), with seven drivers testing positive.
A further 195 drug tests were carried out, uncovering 10 drivers under the influence of drugs, including cannabis, meth and cocaine.
Officers issued a staggering 272 traffic infringement notices, including fines for unrestrained passengers, mobile phone use, defective vehicles, and failing to wear seatbelts or helmets.
One of the most concerning incidents involved a 38-year-old Mooloolaba man, fined $1209 and four demerit points after allegedly driving a car with a child under four years old sitting unrestrained on a passenger's lap.
Another offender, a 19-year-old P-plater from Wynnum West, Brisbane, racked up $6400 in fines and 16 demerit points for a raft of offences including driving a defective car under the influence of alcohol — with neither he nor his two passengers wearing seatbelts.
A 27-year-old Newtown man was fined $2200 and hit with eight demerit points after allegedly drinking alcohol while driving and creating unnecessary smoke and noise.
Police: Driving on the beach is a privilege
Sunshine Coast Highway Patrol Officer in Charge Keith Preston said the blitz had achieved its primary goal of preventing serious crashes.
'A successful deployment to Noosa North Shore for us is one without crashes or deaths — that's what we count as a good result,' acting senior sergeant Preston said.
But he admitted it was frustrating to see so many still ignoring basic safety laws.
'It's disappointing to see so many people continue to have such disregard for the safety of themselves, their passengers and other beach users,' he said.
'It's a privilege to drive on the beach, and we need to treat it as we would driving on the road.'
Police said their enforcement presence, paired with on-the-spot education, likely changed many drivers' behaviour and improved safety for families and children visiting the beach.
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