More than 13,400 traffic offences detected during road safety blitz

• The Crisafulli Government is making Queensland safer with police detecting more than 13,400 traffic offences during a statewide crackdown on dangerous driving.
• Police have targeted dangerous driving behaviours throughout the school holiday period, with high-visibility patrols, roadside testing and enforcement across Queensland.
• The Crisafulli Government is delivering more police to the frontline, swearing in more than 2,100 new police in less than two years, after a decade of decline under Labor.

The Crisafulli Government is making Queensland safer with more than 13,400 traffic offences detected during the Queensland Police Service’s statewide road safety operation. 

The road safety blitz, Operation Spring Break, was launched by the Crisafulli Government on September 19 to crackdown on dangerous drivers during the busy spring school holiday period. 

From major highways to local beaches, police maintained a highly visible presence on roads right across Queensland, detecting more than 13,400 offences, including more than 6,800 for speeding, 70 for mobile phone use and 100 for not wearing a seatbelt correctly. 

Officers conducted more than 118,000 random breath tests across the state and 1,733 roadside drug tests, detecting more than 370 drug impaired drivers. 

Tragically, 234 lives have been lost on Queensland roads this year, including 17 during the spring school holiday period. 

This comes after a decade of decline under the former Labor Government, when Queenslanders were left with fewer police on the frontline and weaker laws to tackle dangerous driving. 

The Crisafulli Government is rebuilding the frontline, delivering more than 2,100 new police officers since the election and putting more boots on the ground to enforce the road rules and make Queensland safer. 

Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Purdie said the operation demonstrated the Crisafulli Government’s commitment to turning the tide on road trauma after years of inaction. 

"After a decade of weaker enforcement and fewer police under Labor, we are rebuilding the frontline," Minister Purdie said. 

"This statewide operation shows Queenslanders that dangerous driving will not be ignored with our police out there, enforcing the road rules and holding people accountable. 

"Under Labor, police were leaving the service in droves citing burnout and frustration at the lack of support. Our government is delivering more police and backing officers with the resources and tools they need to help restore safety where you live." 

Acting Assistant Commissioner Timothy Partrige said police would continue targeting dangerous driving behaviours beyond Operation Spring Break. 

"No matter where you are, you should expect police anywhere, anytime," said Acting Assistant Commissioner Partrige.  

"When you’re holding onto that steering wheel, or those handlebars, you’re putting your own life, and the lives of other motorists around you, in your hands.  

"Whether it’s in the city or out on our rural roads, we want everyone to get to their destination, and police will continue their important work of keeping Queensland road users safe." 

Operation Spring Break will continue until October 10. 

ENDS 

MEDIA CONTACT: Samantha Scott, 0499 984 004