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West Australian
2 days ago
- West Australian
Thousands of NSW drivers caught speeding and driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol across King's Birthday long weekend
Thousands of drivers have been caught speeding, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs across the King's Birthday long weekend. Police targeted dangerous driving in NSW and saw a 'concerning number' of incidents' including driving at excessive speeds, high-range drink driving and reckless driving. More than 4000 drivers received speeding infringements, 275 people were charged with drink driving and 655 drivers tested positive to a roadside drug test. Police attended 287 major crashes across the weekend, that saw 75 people injured and 3 people die. Police pursued one male driver aged 31 in a stolen 4WD who allegedly drove through multiple wire fences on a private property in Dunedoo before he was later spotted by Polair, arrested and charged. Another 27-year old man allegedly took police on a pursuit for 190km through the Hunter Region before he was stopped by road spikes on the New England Highway in Wittingham. Police allege a 54-year old man tested positive to a roadside drug test and his 64-year old passenger was found carrying drugs, lock picks and $9400 in counterfeit cash after police noticed their van had unauthorised plates in Budgewoi on Friday night. A 28-year old woman travelling on the wrong side of Bent St in South Grafton just after midnight on Saturday, allegedly returned a roadside breath test reading of 0.234. Another 49-year old driver returned a breath analysis test of 0.266 after a crash on Elizabeth St in Zetland about 2.10pm on Saturday afternoon. He was also charged with high-range drink driving. A 44-year old woman with two passengers aged 5 and 15 allegedly made an illegal U-turn to avoid a roadside breath test in Wahroonga, before she was pulled over and returned a reading of 0.197. A 39-year old man in a Ford Mustang was allegedly driving 54km over the speed limit on the Hume Hwy in Liverpool, he was stopped and returned positive breath test reading of 0.098. Assistant Commissioner David Driver said while the majority of drivers abided by the road rules there were a group of road users that continued to break the law, presenting a risk to the whole community. 'Over the past few days of the Kings birthday long weekend, we have seen three people lose their lives and 75 people injured on our roads,' he said. 'Motor vehicle crashes are preventable, however when they occur lives can be lost, and others permanently changed. 'I want to really reiterate the message that driving is a high-risk activity, and all road users need to drive their vehicle with care and attention, and importantly adhere to the road rules.' Almost 400 mobile phone infringements were issued to drivers as well as 221 seatbelt infringements and 6,665 infringements for other offences.
Perth Now
2 days ago
- Perth Now
Thousands of drivers stung in police blitz
Thousands of drivers have been caught speeding, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs across the King's Birthday long weekend. Police targeted dangerous driving in NSW and saw a 'concerning number' of incidents' including driving at excessive speeds, high-range drink driving and reckless driving. More than 4000 drivers received speeding infringements, 275 people were charged with drink driving and 655 drivers tested positive to a roadside drug test. NSW Police issued more than 4000 drivers speeding infringements, 275 people were caught drink driving and 655 drivers tested positive to a roadside drug test across the King's Birthday long weekend. NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard Credit: News Corp Australia Police attended 287 major crashes across the weekend, that saw 75 people injured and 3 people die. Police pursued one male driver aged 31 in a stolen 4WD who allegedly drove through multiple wire fences on a private property in Dunedoo before he was later spotted by Polair, arrested and charged. Another 27-year old man allegedly took police on a pursuit for 190km through the Hunter Region before he was stopped by road spikes on the New England Highway in Wittingham. Police allege a 54-year old man tested positive to a roadside drug test and his 64-year old passenger was found carrying drugs, lock picks and $9400 in counterfeit cash after police noticed their van had unauthorised plates in Budgewoi on Friday night. A 28-year old woman travelling on the wrong side of Bent St in South Grafton just after midnight on Saturday, allegedly returned a roadside breath test reading of 0.234. Another 49-year old driver returned a breath analysis test of 0.266 after a crash on Elizabeth St in Zetland about 2.10pm on Saturday afternoon. He was also charged with high-range drink driving. A 49-year old male driver was charged with high-range drink driving after he allegedly returned a breath analysis test of 0.266 after a crash on Elizabeth St in Zetland. NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard Credit: News Corp Australia A 44-year old woman with two passengers aged 5 and 15 allegedly made an illegal U-turn to avoid a roadside breath test in Wahroonga, before she was pulled over and returned a reading of 0.197. A 39-year old man in a Ford Mustang was allegedly driving 54km over the speed limit on the Hume Hwy in Liverpool, he was stopped and returned positive breath test reading of 0.098. Assistant Commissioner David Driver said while the majority of drivers abided by the road rules there were a group of road users that continued to break the law, presenting a risk to the whole community. Assistant Commissioner David Driver said while the majority of drivers abided by the road rules there were a group of road users that continued to break the law, presenting a risk to the whole community. NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard Credit: News Corp Australia 'Over the past few days of the Kings birthday long weekend, we have seen three people lose their lives and 75 people injured on our roads,' he said. 'Motor vehicle crashes are preventable, however when they occur lives can be lost, and others permanently changed. 'I want to really reiterate the message that driving is a high-risk activity, and all road users need to drive their vehicle with care and attention, and importantly adhere to the road rules.' Almost 400 mobile phone infringements were issued to drivers as well as 221 seatbelt infringements and 6,665 infringements for other offences.
The Advertiser
13-05-2025
- The Advertiser
Drugs, cash, weapons: drink and drug drivers busted in targeted police sting
A DISQUALIFIED driver allegedly found with drugs, cash and a foldable knife in the car at Broadmeadow is one of hundreds busted in a police sting targeting drink and drug driving. About 10.15pm on Friday, Newcastle Highway Patrol officers stopped the 44-year-old driver on Chatham Road. A check of his licence revealed he was disqualified from driving until 2059. Police allegedly found 96.26g of cannabis, 14.21g of methamphetamine, $1455 cash and a foldable knife in the car. When he allegedly returned a positive oral fluid test, he was arrested and taken to Newcastle Police Station, where a second test allegedly returned a positive result to methamphetamine and cannabis. The man was charged with a slew of offences, including driving disqualified, possession of a prohibited drug, drug supply, recklessly dealing with proceeds of crime and having a knife in a public place. He faced Parramatta Local Court and was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court on Thursday. The arrest was the result of an increased police presence across the state targeting drivers under the influence after concerning road trauma trends last month. Traffic and Highway Patrol officers launched Operation RAID (Remove All Impaired Drivers) at midnight on Thursday until midnight on Saturday. Hundreds of stationary and mobile random breath and drug testing sites were set up across the state, where police also spoke to drivers about fatigue. Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander Assistant Commissioner David Driver said Operation RAID is one of several statewide initiatives run throughout the year to reduce road trauma and serious crashes. "We have seen 19 more people lose their lives on our roads this year compared to 2024. That is unacceptable and that is 131 lives too many," he said. "We run these operations to promote road safety, educate drivers, encourage compliance with road rules and reduce loss of life. "Whilst we saw the majority of motorists comply with the law during the operation, it was disappointing to see some drivers completely disregard the road rules." On Saturday about 1.40am, a police pursuit was initiated at Kurri Kurri as Hunter Vallley Highway Patrol were patrolling at Lang Street. Officers tried to stop a car, when it allegedly failed to do so, a pursuit was initiated. A short time later, the car hit a gutter and stopped. The 20-year-old driver was arrested and allegedly returned a positive roadside reading. When officers searched the car, they allegedly found 320 MDMA capsules, $1060 in cash and other substances in bags. Police also allegedly found large knives and hatchets. The man was taken to Cessnock Police Station where he was charged with a number of offences including drug supply and possession, failing to stop in a police pursuit, novice driver drive with novice range prescribed concentration of alcohol, learner driver not accompanied by driver and possession of a prohibited weapon with permit. He was granted conditional bail at Parramatta Local Court on Saturday and will face Kurri Kurri Local Court on May 27. In April 2025, 39 people lost their lives in 36 crashes. Four are believed to be alcohol-related and seven are believed to be drug-related. This is compared to 37 deaths in April 2024. There have been 131 deaths so far in 2025, which is 19 more than this time last year. During the high-volume, high-visibility operation, police conducted more than 109,796 breath tests, with 132 drink-driver offences detected. Police conducted 6,841 drug tests and 461 people returned positive tests. Officers also detected 1,373 speed-related offences, 286 mobile phone offences and 84 seatbelt or helmet-related offences. Assistant Commissioner Driver said it is concerning to see any offence on the roads, but particularly drink and drug driving combined with high speed. "We will continue to run operations to keep the community safe," he said. "Those drivers who break the road rules risk being detected by police, losing their licence, and facing the consequences of their actions in court." Drink driving, drug driving and fatigue are three major contributors to the state's annual road toll. A DISQUALIFIED driver allegedly found with drugs, cash and a foldable knife in the car at Broadmeadow is one of hundreds busted in a police sting targeting drink and drug driving. About 10.15pm on Friday, Newcastle Highway Patrol officers stopped the 44-year-old driver on Chatham Road. A check of his licence revealed he was disqualified from driving until 2059. Police allegedly found 96.26g of cannabis, 14.21g of methamphetamine, $1455 cash and a foldable knife in the car. When he allegedly returned a positive oral fluid test, he was arrested and taken to Newcastle Police Station, where a second test allegedly returned a positive result to methamphetamine and cannabis. The man was charged with a slew of offences, including driving disqualified, possession of a prohibited drug, drug supply, recklessly dealing with proceeds of crime and having a knife in a public place. He faced Parramatta Local Court and was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court on Thursday. The arrest was the result of an increased police presence across the state targeting drivers under the influence after concerning road trauma trends last month. Traffic and Highway Patrol officers launched Operation RAID (Remove All Impaired Drivers) at midnight on Thursday until midnight on Saturday. Hundreds of stationary and mobile random breath and drug testing sites were set up across the state, where police also spoke to drivers about fatigue. Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander Assistant Commissioner David Driver said Operation RAID is one of several statewide initiatives run throughout the year to reduce road trauma and serious crashes. "We have seen 19 more people lose their lives on our roads this year compared to 2024. That is unacceptable and that is 131 lives too many," he said. "We run these operations to promote road safety, educate drivers, encourage compliance with road rules and reduce loss of life. "Whilst we saw the majority of motorists comply with the law during the operation, it was disappointing to see some drivers completely disregard the road rules." On Saturday about 1.40am, a police pursuit was initiated at Kurri Kurri as Hunter Vallley Highway Patrol were patrolling at Lang Street. Officers tried to stop a car, when it allegedly failed to do so, a pursuit was initiated. A short time later, the car hit a gutter and stopped. The 20-year-old driver was arrested and allegedly returned a positive roadside reading. When officers searched the car, they allegedly found 320 MDMA capsules, $1060 in cash and other substances in bags. Police also allegedly found large knives and hatchets. The man was taken to Cessnock Police Station where he was charged with a number of offences including drug supply and possession, failing to stop in a police pursuit, novice driver drive with novice range prescribed concentration of alcohol, learner driver not accompanied by driver and possession of a prohibited weapon with permit. He was granted conditional bail at Parramatta Local Court on Saturday and will face Kurri Kurri Local Court on May 27. In April 2025, 39 people lost their lives in 36 crashes. Four are believed to be alcohol-related and seven are believed to be drug-related. This is compared to 37 deaths in April 2024. There have been 131 deaths so far in 2025, which is 19 more than this time last year. During the high-volume, high-visibility operation, police conducted more than 109,796 breath tests, with 132 drink-driver offences detected. Police conducted 6,841 drug tests and 461 people returned positive tests. Officers also detected 1,373 speed-related offences, 286 mobile phone offences and 84 seatbelt or helmet-related offences. Assistant Commissioner Driver said it is concerning to see any offence on the roads, but particularly drink and drug driving combined with high speed. "We will continue to run operations to keep the community safe," he said. "Those drivers who break the road rules risk being detected by police, losing their licence, and facing the consequences of their actions in court." Drink driving, drug driving and fatigue are three major contributors to the state's annual road toll. A DISQUALIFIED driver allegedly found with drugs, cash and a foldable knife in the car at Broadmeadow is one of hundreds busted in a police sting targeting drink and drug driving. About 10.15pm on Friday, Newcastle Highway Patrol officers stopped the 44-year-old driver on Chatham Road. A check of his licence revealed he was disqualified from driving until 2059. Police allegedly found 96.26g of cannabis, 14.21g of methamphetamine, $1455 cash and a foldable knife in the car. When he allegedly returned a positive oral fluid test, he was arrested and taken to Newcastle Police Station, where a second test allegedly returned a positive result to methamphetamine and cannabis. The man was charged with a slew of offences, including driving disqualified, possession of a prohibited drug, drug supply, recklessly dealing with proceeds of crime and having a knife in a public place. He faced Parramatta Local Court and was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court on Thursday. The arrest was the result of an increased police presence across the state targeting drivers under the influence after concerning road trauma trends last month. Traffic and Highway Patrol officers launched Operation RAID (Remove All Impaired Drivers) at midnight on Thursday until midnight on Saturday. Hundreds of stationary and mobile random breath and drug testing sites were set up across the state, where police also spoke to drivers about fatigue. Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander Assistant Commissioner David Driver said Operation RAID is one of several statewide initiatives run throughout the year to reduce road trauma and serious crashes. "We have seen 19 more people lose their lives on our roads this year compared to 2024. That is unacceptable and that is 131 lives too many," he said. "We run these operations to promote road safety, educate drivers, encourage compliance with road rules and reduce loss of life. "Whilst we saw the majority of motorists comply with the law during the operation, it was disappointing to see some drivers completely disregard the road rules." On Saturday about 1.40am, a police pursuit was initiated at Kurri Kurri as Hunter Vallley Highway Patrol were patrolling at Lang Street. Officers tried to stop a car, when it allegedly failed to do so, a pursuit was initiated. A short time later, the car hit a gutter and stopped. The 20-year-old driver was arrested and allegedly returned a positive roadside reading. When officers searched the car, they allegedly found 320 MDMA capsules, $1060 in cash and other substances in bags. Police also allegedly found large knives and hatchets. The man was taken to Cessnock Police Station where he was charged with a number of offences including drug supply and possession, failing to stop in a police pursuit, novice driver drive with novice range prescribed concentration of alcohol, learner driver not accompanied by driver and possession of a prohibited weapon with permit. He was granted conditional bail at Parramatta Local Court on Saturday and will face Kurri Kurri Local Court on May 27. In April 2025, 39 people lost their lives in 36 crashes. Four are believed to be alcohol-related and seven are believed to be drug-related. This is compared to 37 deaths in April 2024. There have been 131 deaths so far in 2025, which is 19 more than this time last year. During the high-volume, high-visibility operation, police conducted more than 109,796 breath tests, with 132 drink-driver offences detected. Police conducted 6,841 drug tests and 461 people returned positive tests. Officers also detected 1,373 speed-related offences, 286 mobile phone offences and 84 seatbelt or helmet-related offences. Assistant Commissioner Driver said it is concerning to see any offence on the roads, but particularly drink and drug driving combined with high speed. "We will continue to run operations to keep the community safe," he said. "Those drivers who break the road rules risk being detected by police, losing their licence, and facing the consequences of their actions in court." Drink driving, drug driving and fatigue are three major contributors to the state's annual road toll. A DISQUALIFIED driver allegedly found with drugs, cash and a foldable knife in the car at Broadmeadow is one of hundreds busted in a police sting targeting drink and drug driving. About 10.15pm on Friday, Newcastle Highway Patrol officers stopped the 44-year-old driver on Chatham Road. A check of his licence revealed he was disqualified from driving until 2059. Police allegedly found 96.26g of cannabis, 14.21g of methamphetamine, $1455 cash and a foldable knife in the car. When he allegedly returned a positive oral fluid test, he was arrested and taken to Newcastle Police Station, where a second test allegedly returned a positive result to methamphetamine and cannabis. The man was charged with a slew of offences, including driving disqualified, possession of a prohibited drug, drug supply, recklessly dealing with proceeds of crime and having a knife in a public place. He faced Parramatta Local Court and was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court on Thursday. The arrest was the result of an increased police presence across the state targeting drivers under the influence after concerning road trauma trends last month. Traffic and Highway Patrol officers launched Operation RAID (Remove All Impaired Drivers) at midnight on Thursday until midnight on Saturday. Hundreds of stationary and mobile random breath and drug testing sites were set up across the state, where police also spoke to drivers about fatigue. Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander Assistant Commissioner David Driver said Operation RAID is one of several statewide initiatives run throughout the year to reduce road trauma and serious crashes. "We have seen 19 more people lose their lives on our roads this year compared to 2024. That is unacceptable and that is 131 lives too many," he said. "We run these operations to promote road safety, educate drivers, encourage compliance with road rules and reduce loss of life. "Whilst we saw the majority of motorists comply with the law during the operation, it was disappointing to see some drivers completely disregard the road rules." On Saturday about 1.40am, a police pursuit was initiated at Kurri Kurri as Hunter Vallley Highway Patrol were patrolling at Lang Street. Officers tried to stop a car, when it allegedly failed to do so, a pursuit was initiated. A short time later, the car hit a gutter and stopped. The 20-year-old driver was arrested and allegedly returned a positive roadside reading. When officers searched the car, they allegedly found 320 MDMA capsules, $1060 in cash and other substances in bags. Police also allegedly found large knives and hatchets. The man was taken to Cessnock Police Station where he was charged with a number of offences including drug supply and possession, failing to stop in a police pursuit, novice driver drive with novice range prescribed concentration of alcohol, learner driver not accompanied by driver and possession of a prohibited weapon with permit. He was granted conditional bail at Parramatta Local Court on Saturday and will face Kurri Kurri Local Court on May 27. In April 2025, 39 people lost their lives in 36 crashes. Four are believed to be alcohol-related and seven are believed to be drug-related. This is compared to 37 deaths in April 2024. There have been 131 deaths so far in 2025, which is 19 more than this time last year. During the high-volume, high-visibility operation, police conducted more than 109,796 breath tests, with 132 drink-driver offences detected. Police conducted 6,841 drug tests and 461 people returned positive tests. Officers also detected 1,373 speed-related offences, 286 mobile phone offences and 84 seatbelt or helmet-related offences. Assistant Commissioner Driver said it is concerning to see any offence on the roads, but particularly drink and drug driving combined with high speed. "We will continue to run operations to keep the community safe," he said. "Those drivers who break the road rules risk being detected by police, losing their licence, and facing the consequences of their actions in court." Drink driving, drug driving and fatigue are three major contributors to the state's annual road toll.
Perth Now
25-04-2025
- Perth Now
Plea for motorists to think of children as deaths mount
A tragic spate of road deaths during the long weekend and school holidays has police urging motorists to drive "as if your child is in the vehicle around you". Five people have died in separate crashes in NSW since midday on Thursday, as the nation enjoys an Anzac Day long weekend and the end of school holidays. Another woman was critically injured in an unrelated crash in NSW, while a pedestrian and motorist were killed in separate accidents in Perth - the only other road deaths over the same period in Australia. Three people died in NSW during the Easter long weekend - 112 people have now lost their lives on NSW roads in 2025, five more than the same time last year. NSW Police Assistant Commissioner David Driver is urging motorists to be cautious, especially in regional areas as all five deaths occurred on rural roads. "You should drive your cars as if your child is in the vehicle around you because every vehicle carries someone''s child," the traffic and highway patrol commander told reporters on Friday. "In the last 24 hours, five people have lost their lives. Four of them in northern region, one in southern region." Double demerits are in place for the long weekend, but Mr Driver conceded police could only do so much, stressing motorists must make smart decisions. In the past week, 200 people were arrested for drink-driving and 900 tested positive for drugs. "Please when you're driving your cars, concentrate on what you are doing. A lack of concentration can ruin many lives," Mr Driver said. "Police have been very active to reduce the amount of road trauma, but police are just one stakeholder in road safety." A police pursuit in western Sydney on Thursday ended with a car crashing into a pole. The 33-year-old driver and a 35-year-old passenger were taken to Liverpool Hospital in critical condition.
