Police in western Tasmania seized 27 vehicles, caught 60 drivers speeding (including eight at high range), and at least 49 people drink driving during May and June this year.

Through regular routine patrols and targeted intercepts, police across Western District seized vehicles for the following reasons:

• 1 driver travelling 40km/h above the speed limit
• 2 drivers travelling 45km/h above the speed limit
• 3 hooning drivers
• 15 police evades
• 12 licensing offences – disqualified driver, suspended licence, and unlicensed driving
• 2 other offences

Of the 60 drivers caught speeding, three were travelling at more than 45km/h above the speed limit, four at between 38 and 44km/h above the limit, 13 at 30km/h to  37km/h above the limit, and 39 at 23-29km/h above the limit.

Of the 49 drink drivers caught, 16 returned blood alcohol readings more than three times the legal limit (more than 0.15)

Police also tested 228 drivers for drugs, with 76 people returning positive readings in May and 57 positive readings in June.

Acting Inspector Martin Parker said the results were disappointing.

“Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and speeding, are two of the five major contributors to serious and fatal crashes,” he said.

“This type of dangerous driving behaviour puts all road users at risk, particularly at this time of year when we are experiencing wet and icy conditions on our roads.

“That is why we will continue to proactively patrol our roads to ensure everyone is doing the right thing and driving to the conditions.”