A 20-year-old woman was one of 79 people charged with drink-driving offences during a two day traffic operation targeting drivers on the M5 and the Hume Highway, from Beverly Hills to Menangle.
Police say 25,256 random breath tests were conducted as part of Operation Fume, which began last Friday (June 2).
The 20 year old woman, from Edensor Park, was charged with novice-range PCA after being stopped while driving south on the Hume Motorway at Woodbine about 2am yesterday (Sunday, June 4). The P2-licence holder allegedly returned a reading of 0.19 and her licence was suspended immediately, and she was issued with a court attendance notice.
The high visibility operation involved officers attached to Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, supported by general duties officers from local police districts.
Operation Fume commander, Inspector Gregory Donaldson, said operations such as Fume were conducted to ensure the safety of all road users.
“Despite motorists being fully aware that NSW Police regularly target alcohol and drug-impaired drivers through these types of operations, it is very disturbing how many people are still caught committing offences of this nature,” Insp Donaldson said.
“It’s well documented that alcohol is one of the major causes of crashes on our roads, yet a concerning number of drivers still choose to drink and drive, putting the lives of other motorists at risk.
“The message is simple: don’t drive if you’ve been drinking,” Insp Donaldson said.
Of the 79 people charged with PCA offences, eight drivers were charged after returning high-range readings, 37 mid-range, 29 low-range, and five special/novice range.
Police also conducted 672 roadside drug tests, resulting in 38 positive drug tests. Further action is dependent on the outcomes once test results are returned. The licences of all drivers returning a positive roadside drug test are suspended for 24 hours.
There were 30 fines issued for mobile phone offences, 25 for restraint offences, and 29 for speeding.
A total of 37 vehicles were searched, 41 people were searched and eight drug detections were made during the operation, with police seizing illicit drugs including ice, cocaine and cannabis.
