MINISTER SLAMS DRINK DRIVERS CAUGHT IN GOLD COAST BLITZ
Published Monday, 01 October, 2007 at 02:00 PM
Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Sport
The Honourable Judy Spence
Police Minister Judy Spence has expressed disappointment at the large number of people caught drink driving during a police operation conducted on the Gold Coast over the weekend.
Police working as part of Operation Pyramid detected 121 people drink driving in the Surfers Paradise CBD on Friday and Saturday nights.
“I am very concerned that despite a significant increase in the number of people killed on Gold Coast roads this year, drivers are not getting the message when it comes to drink driving,” Ms Spence said.
“The 121 people caught drink driving represents around 2.6% of the number of drivers tested over the weekend – this is more than two and a half times the average percentage of drivers caught drink driving in 2006.
“There have already been 53 people killed in the South Eastern Region this year and there is a real chance these drivers could have added to that statistic if they had not been caught.”
Ms Spence said one driver recorded a blood alcohol level of .224 which is more than four times the legal limit.
“I cannot believe that someone that affected by alcohol could think they were sober enough to get behind the wheel of a vehicle,” Ms Spence said.
“It is this kind of irresponsible behaviour that will contribute to more deaths and injuries on our roads.”
Ms Spence said the government is doing all it can to reduce the road toll but drivers must take more responsibility.
“We’ve introduced tough new laws for young drivers and police are trialling new vehicle confiscation laws in the North Coast and Southern regions which will see the cars of people who repeatedly drink drive, drive while disqualified, unlicensed or unregistered or who drive illegally modified vehicles confiscated.”
“I have asked the police to expand the confiscation laws to the South Eastern Region, which includes the Gold Coast, by the end of the year.
“These laws will help reduce the road toll but drivers must exercise more caution on the road and not drive if they have been drinking,” Ms Spence said.
Media Contact: Troy Davies 3239 6218, 0439 673 287
Police working as part of Operation Pyramid detected 121 people drink driving in the Surfers Paradise CBD on Friday and Saturday nights.
“I am very concerned that despite a significant increase in the number of people killed on Gold Coast roads this year, drivers are not getting the message when it comes to drink driving,” Ms Spence said.
“The 121 people caught drink driving represents around 2.6% of the number of drivers tested over the weekend – this is more than two and a half times the average percentage of drivers caught drink driving in 2006.
“There have already been 53 people killed in the South Eastern Region this year and there is a real chance these drivers could have added to that statistic if they had not been caught.”
Ms Spence said one driver recorded a blood alcohol level of .224 which is more than four times the legal limit.
“I cannot believe that someone that affected by alcohol could think they were sober enough to get behind the wheel of a vehicle,” Ms Spence said.
“It is this kind of irresponsible behaviour that will contribute to more deaths and injuries on our roads.”
Ms Spence said the government is doing all it can to reduce the road toll but drivers must take more responsibility.
“We’ve introduced tough new laws for young drivers and police are trialling new vehicle confiscation laws in the North Coast and Southern regions which will see the cars of people who repeatedly drink drive, drive while disqualified, unlicensed or unregistered or who drive illegally modified vehicles confiscated.”
“I have asked the police to expand the confiscation laws to the South Eastern Region, which includes the Gold Coast, by the end of the year.
“These laws will help reduce the road toll but drivers must exercise more caution on the road and not drive if they have been drinking,” Ms Spence said.
Media Contact: Troy Davies 3239 6218, 0439 673 287