Almost 100 fines have been handed to unruly drivers along three popular beaches during the Easter long weekend.
Sunshine Coast and Gympie Highway Patrols issued 98 traffic infringement notices (TINs) and charged nine people during the first four days of Operation Sandstorm at Noosa North Shore, Teewah Beach and Double Island Point.
Between April 2 and 5, 766 random breath tests and 69 random drug tests were conducted. Two drivers allegedly returned positive blood alcohol concentration levels of 0.069 and 0.125, and six drivers also allegedly returned positive roadside drug test results.
A 54-year-old man was fined after allegedly reversing a caravan with a child on their lap at Cooloola, costing the man $1209 and four demerit points.
A 53-year-old Mitchelton man was issued a notice to appear for permitting unlicensed driving after a 15-year-old girl was allegedly driving a Mitsubishi Pajero while not wearing a seatbelt at Double Island Point.
A 48-year-old Wurtulla man was also issued a notice to appear for permitting unlicensed driving after a 14-year-old boy was allegedly detected travelling 55km/h in a 40 zone in a Toyota Hilux along Teewah Beach.
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A total of 32 traffic infringement notices were issued for speeding, including one 17-year-old red P-plate driver allegedly caught travelling 94km/h in a 40 zone at Cooloola.
Twenty-six TINs were issued for defective vehicles, with four of those vehicles ordered off the road for major defects. Fourteen TINs were also issued for not wearing seatbelts, four for unsecure loads and two for careless driving.
Police stated that Operation Sandstorm will continue over the school holidays, with daily patrols also planned for the Labour Day long weekend.
“Motorists are being reminded that Queensland road rules apply everywhere they drive in public, including beaches, inland tracks and islands, and that they should expect police anywhere, anytime,” QPS stated.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at police.qld.gov.au/reporting. Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at crimestoppersqld.com.au
