The Riverina Police District has praised the majority of region’s motorists during the Labour Day weekend.
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More than 7000 random breath tests were conducted as part of the statewide Operation Slow Down.
In the Riverina, more than 400 traffic-infringement notices were issued for various offences.
The RPD’s Superintendent Bob Noble said the majority of the weekend was incident free.
“[It] was a success in the Southern Region, motor vehicle collisions were kept to a minimum,” Superintendent Noble said.
“Obviously there was very significant and intense high-profile policing operation with Traffic and Highway Patrol and all uniformed police conducting a great deal of random breath testing and mobile drug testing.
“A number of people were detected doing the wrong thing but we’re pretty pleased with drivers and how motorists conducted themselves.”
A number of people were detected doing the wrong thing but we’re pretty pleased with drivers and how motorists conducted themselves.
- Superintendent Bob Noble, Riverina Police District
However, he said this morning’s incident involving alleged stolen vehicles ramming a police vehicle and escaping pursuits was disappointing to see after the long weekend.
“What we did encounter this morning in and around the city of Wagga was pretty serious traffic-offending involving allegedly stolen cars,” he said.
Superintendent Noble said the good long weekend was balanced with “some fairly concerning behaviours by a few individuals who want to operate outside the law”.
He reminds residents that police will continue to target motorists who commit traffic offences.
“As the weather gets warmer, we’ll do more of it and people can expect they will be pulled over,” he said.
“Yes, it can be an inconvenience but it’s very important in ensuring safety.”
Operation Slow Down was conducted in addition to Operation Pariac, which targeted anti-social behaviours and alcohol-related violence.
The RPD conducted inspections at more than 130 licensed premises.
“We did detect a number of breaches of liquor and gaming legislation, but they were in the minority,” Superintendent Noble said.
“But for the most part, police found that people out and about conducted themselves fairly well.
“It was encouraging, even though there were a lot of events on.”
Meanwhile, Acting Assistant Commissioner Julie Middlemiss of the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command remind motorists that they still need to continue driving safely.
“Police across the state will be continuing to maintain a high profile on main roads as well as local back roads during the school holiday period,” she said.
Key statistics in NSW (progressive total)
- Speed infringements: 5227
- Breath tests: 214,358
- PCA charges: 220
- Major crashes: 238
- Fatalities: 4
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