A major traffic operation targeting drink and drug drivers was held in the West Tamar region yesterday.

Acting Inspector Ruth Orr said between 10am-3.30pm yesterday, four coordinated random breath testing sites were conducted in the West Tamar region, targeting alcohol and drug related road safety offences.

“A number of officers and drug detector dog Fang conducted 1150 breath tests as well as six oral fluid tests for illicit drugs,” Acting Inspector Orr said.

As a result of the operation:

-Two drivers were charged with exceeding the prescribed alcohol limit

-One will be summonsed for being a learner unaccompanied by a fully licensed driver

-10 infringement notices were issued for speeding, unregistered and other offences

-24 vehicle defects were issued.

-No drivers were detected with illicit drugs in their body.

Posted speed limits were temporarily reduced in the area of each random breath testing site to ensure officer and public safety.

Some drivers failed to obey the temporary speed limits, and motorists are reminded to always drive to the posted speed limit – it’s for everyone’s safety.

“It’s pleasing that the majority of drivers continue to do the right thing on our roads, but there’s always a small number of drivers who continue to put their lives and the lives of others at risk,” Acting Inspector Orr said.

“People who choose to drive while under the influence of alcohol and illicit substances continues to be a concern, and Tasmania Police is committed to keeping our roads safe through focused enforcement activity on drink and drug driving.”

“We want everyone to get home safely and to ensure that, we have to make sure everyone uses the roads safely – remember Tasmania Police could be anywhere, anytime.”