The behaviour of Canberra drivers over the Easter long weekend has made police “generally happy” following a five-day, double-demerit road policing operation.
Officer in Charge of ACT Road Policing, Acting Inspector Nathan Macklin said that, over the course of the weekend, police issued 160 infringements, the majority for speeding offences, including at least one driver per day detected travelling at more than 45 km/h in excess of the speed limit.
“Drink-driving and drug-driving offences were also down for the Easter period, but the high levels registered by drink drivers were concerning to police, with three drivers involved in collisions all detected at more than double their legal blood alcohol limit,” Acting Inspector Macklin said.
He said it seemed while the message about not drinking and driving had been effective for many motorists, “these offender(s) deliberately made poor choices”.
“I think the majority of people do the right thing and they choose to either drink or drive,” Acting Inspector Macklin said.
“It is concerning that we are still seeing people who are not just miscalculating some drinks, but are just completely ignoring any sort of concern for any other member of the community and that they drive well and truly intoxicated.”
He said double-demerit points would be in effect again in the ACT for the Anzac Day weekend, from Friday (22 April) to Monday (25 April) inclusive.
“All speeding, seatbelt and mobile phone offences will again attract double-demerit points, as will riding without a helmet, and all other traffic offences will incur one additional demerit point,” Acting Inspector Macklin said.
