Geraldton traffic police find one drug driver during drug and breath testing operation in Beresford

Jessica MoroneyGeraldton Guardian
Camera IconGeraldton Police conduct drug and alcohol testing on North West Coastal Highway near Mark Street. Credit: Jessica Moroney/Geraldton Guardian

Geraldton traffic police found most residents in the Greater Geraldton region to be law abiding after a one-day traffic operation nabbed only one drug driver on the road.

Geraldton traffic police conducted more than 2000 random breath tests during Operation Perception in Beresford on Wednesday, September 7 along North West Coastal Highway.

Police results indicated out of 27 targeted roadside drug wipes, only one driver returned a positive result for the drug methamphetamine. There were no other drugs detected throughout the operation.

Of 2010 random breath tests conducted, police did not detect any drivers exceeding the alcohol limit of 0.05.

Police issued three summonses and one arrest for reckless driving, driving an unlicensed vehicle, false plates and contravening an extraordinary licence.

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One vehicle was impounded and 15 traffic infringements issued while 63 cautions and seven compliance notices were noted throughout the operation.

Traffic officer-in-charge Sgt George Tilbury said he was pleased to see the majority of the community adhering to the road rules.

“The vast majority of drivers were doing the right thing, which is very pleasing,” he said.

“It was disappointing that one person put other road users at risk by driving under the influence of methamphetamine and another for driving recklessly.

“It’s also not a good idea to drive with false plates on your trailer or drive unroadworthy vehicles.”

Sgt Tilbury said Mid West traffic would continue conducting operations throughout the district and reminded road users they should expect police to be anywhere at any time.

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