Western District Police are concerned with the number of repeat drink driver detections over the past few days.

“These recent detections have involved breath alcohol readings that in some cases have been more than triple the .05 limit.  It is even more concerning that a number of these detections relate to repeat offenders,” Sgt Steve Keiselis said.

Police have conducted operations in various locations, including the Bass Highway near Burnie, the Lyell Hwy between Strahan and Queenstown and various other suburban areas along the North West Coast.

“These detections have come about through targeted policing, observations of driver behaviour and diligent work of road safety personnel,” Sgt Steve Keiselis said.  

Some of the higher breath alcohol readings detected by police include a driver who blew .165, another apprehended at .164 and a third drink driver caught at .102.

“What makes these detections so concerning is the offending drivers have been apprehended numerous times, with all of these drivers having previous related matters for drink driving,” Sgt Keiselis said.

Other related offences include a repeat drink driver caught twice within an eight week period.

In all of these cases the drivers have been arrested and charged, with most having an instant disqualification imposed.  Drivers have been charged with a range of offences including high range drink driving and other traffic offences.

“This high risk driving behaviour is foolhardy, dangerous and demonstrates a blatant disregard for their own welfare and that of other road users.”

In total the Road Safety Task Force apprehended six drink drivers over a three day period and cumulatively the offenders have been caught drink driving 27 times. 

“Recidivist drink drivers should be aware this is something that Tasmania Police will continue to target,” said Sgt Steve Keiselis.

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