Police are ramping up their presence on the Sunshine Coast during one of the busiest times of the year in the region.
Increased patrols will be on local roads, beaches and waterways during the Easter holidays.
Four lives have been lost on roads in the area during the past three months and Sunshine Coast Highway Patrol Officer in Charge Senior Sergeant Shane Panoho said police aimed to prevent this number from growing.
“Tactical plans are in place across the Sunshine Coast to prevent road trauma and strengthen road safety including roadside breath tests (RBT), roadside drug tests (RDT) and speed enforcement,” he said.
“Expect to see police anywhere, anytime these school holidays.”
He said they will be at popular 4WD beaches.
“Operation Sandstorm is ongoing and dedicated to establishing a significant and highly visible police presence on the beach at North Shore,” he said.
“Highway Patrol officers will deploy to North Shore, Teerwah and Rainbow Beach these holidays, alongside many campers, to remind drivers that road rules apply on the sand and focus on seatbelts, speeding, illegally modified and defective vehicles, and drink and drug driving.”
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Police will step up roadside breath and drug testing with the launch of Operation X-Ray Easter, from April 4 to April 21.
So far this year, police have detected more than 9500 motorists over the legal alcohol limit and almost 3000 positive indications that motorist have driven under the influence of illicit drugs, across the state.
Drug testing will be significantly expanded during Operation X-Ray Easter, with officers conducting more roadside tests than ever before.
Police will also patrol the region’s waterways.
A police spokesperson urged boaties to be vigilant.
“With an uptick in traffic on the waterways over the holidays to be expected, Sunshine Coast Water Police officers will be increasing their presence, and conducting patrols to ensure everyone is doing the correct thing,” they said.
“There is zero tolerance for boating under the influence of drugs or over the blood alcohol limit. In addition to charges, financial penalties start at $161 and can go up to $4500.”
Maritime Safety Queensland General Manager Kell Dillon urged boaties to comply with new lifejacket rules and adhere to speed limits on the water.
All skippers and passengers must wear lifejackets when crossing coastal bars on specific vessels and when boating alone or at night. Children under 12 years of age on open boats under 4.8m must also wear lifejackets.
“Your lifejacket can only save your life if you’re wearing it. Too often, we see tragedies that could have been prevented,” he said.
