A planned traffic operation in the state’s North-West early this morning detected three drink drivers – with one driver nearly three times the legal limit.

Sergeant Paul Murphy said the road safety effort ran from 12am until 4am this morning.

A 37 year old man was detected in Madden St, Acton, at midnight, recording a breath alcohol reading of 0.143. He has been charged with driving a motor vehicle while exceeding the prescribed alcohol limit and will appear in the Burnie Magistrates Court on 27 August.

A 46 year old woman was caught in Bowick St, Wynyard at 2.30am, recording a breath alcohol reaching of 0.108 (driver was subject to zero alcohol). She has been charged with a range of traffic offences including driving while disqualified, unlicenced driving, using a motor vehicle with no premium cover and using an unregistered vehicle. She will appear in the Burnie Magistrates Court on 27 August.

A 39 year old woman was detected on the Bass Highway at Cooee at 4.15am, recording a breath alcohol reading of 0.036 (subject to zero alcohol). She was charged with a range of traffic offences including driving while disqualified, using an unregistered motor vehicle, dishonestly altering or displaying a plate in a way calculated to deceive, using a motor vehicle with no premium cover, and unlicenced driving.

“Unfortunately, despite widespread awareness of the risks, some drivers continue to underestimate the potential consequences of drink driving,” Sergeant Murphy said.

“This is disappointing, as evidence clearly shows that drink and drug driving is one of the fatal five contributors to serious and fatal crashes on Tasmanian roads.”

“Driving while under the influence of alcohol puts both the individual and other road users at risk.

“We will continue to proactively patrol our roads to ensure everyone is doing the right thing,” Sergeant Murphy said.

“Road safety is a community responsibility.”