A major police operation has resulted in dozens of fines being issued and several impaired drivers being taken off the road.
Police and rangers carried out a three-day enforcement and education campaign at Noosa North Shore, Teewah Beach and Double Island Point between May 29 and 31 as part of Operation Sandstorm.
The operation is a joint initiative between Queensland Police and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service aimed at reducing dangerous behaviour and improving safety in popular beach driving areas.
During the blitz, officers conducted 497 random breath tests and detected one alleged drink driver and two alleged drug drivers. All three motorists were issued notices to appear in court.
Police also issued 35 traffic infringement notices, along with two penalty infringement notices under the Conservation Area Management Act.
At about 10.30am on May 30, police observed two drivers being dealt with by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service rangers following reports of alleged hooning at Noosa North Shore.
Following further inquiries, police issued verbal warnings to both drivers.
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Later that day, at about 1pm, officers patrolling Teewah Beach allegedly observed two jet skis travelling above the six-knot speed limit. Both male riders were issued traffic infringement notices.
The highest speed detected during the operation was recorded on May 31 when police allegedly detected a grey Isuzu travelling at 66km/h in a 40km/h zone. The driver was issued a traffic infringement notice.
Acting Inspector Jonathan McBride said police would continue to maintain a strong presence across the region’s beaches.
“There is zero tolerance for dangerous behaviour on our beaches,” he said.
“The safety of all beachgoers on Noosa North Shore, and in particular young children and families, is imperative.
“Our beaches are for everyone to enjoy, and Queensland Police undertake routine patrols of the area.”
Police said motorists and visitors should expect enforcement activities to continue as part of ongoing efforts to improve safety and compliance at beach recreation areas.
Operation Sandstorm has been running as a coordinated effort between police and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, targeting traffic offences, hooning, speeding and other unsafe behaviour across some of the region’s most popular beach destinations.
