To coincide with the opening weekend of the brown trout fishing season, Tasmania Police along with the Transport Safety and Investigation Unit, Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania’s Investigation and Enforcement Services, and the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service conducted a combined traffic operation in the Central Highlands over the weekend.

Senior Sergeant Mark Williams from Oatlands Police said, “the operation was a great opportunity to work with other departments.”

“A number of checks were conducted over the four-hour period, including random breath tests, roadside oral fluid tests, vehicle and trailer safety checks for roadworthiness, fishing licence checks, boat safety inspections and firearms licence checks.”

Offences detected during the operation include:
• 1 x drink driver detected (0.092)
• 30 x vehicle defect notices issued
• 3 x Drug Diversions issued for possession of cannabis
• 1 x caution for unlicenced fishing
• 1 x caution for fail to carry minimum safety equipment on a boat.

“Over 400 random breath tests were conducted during the operation and it’s disappointing that we detected someone driving under the influence of alcohol at this time of the day,” said Senior Sergeant Williams.

“If you’ve been drinking, please don’t drive.”

“It was also disappointing to see 30 vehicle defect notices issued during the operation.”

“These joint operations highlight the benefit of conducting thorough vehicle and boat checks to ensure all road users are accountable for their vehicle roadworthiness,” said Senior Sergeant Williams.