Northern Territory Police Force have officially launched Operation Angove as part of a Christmas and New Year road safety blitz.
The Territory Road Policing Division have rolled out their high-visibility traffic education and enforcement campaign focused on ensuring road safety during the holiday period. This Territory-wide operation will be targeting the Fatal Five with a particular emphasis on drink and drug driving.
For day one, six Random Breath Test stations across the Territory delivered the following results:
2407 negative alcohol breath tests. 10 positive alcohol breath tests. Four positive drug tests. 19 notices to appear in court issued. 33 traffic infringement notices issued. 4897 speed camera checks conducted, with 22 motorists found to be speeding. Seven defected vehicles identified.
As part of Operation Angove, the Southern Road Policing Division conducted two Random Breath and Drug Testing stations along the Stuart Highway south of The Gap in Alice Springs, resulting in the following:
833 negative alcohol breath tests. Four positive alcohol breath tests. Two positive drug tests. 10 notices to appear in court issued. 11 traffic infringement notices issued. 1571 speed camera checks with 116 motorists recorded as speeding.
Superintendent Peter Dash said, “No one wants to spend the holidays without a loved one. Police will continue to challenge bad behaviours, anywhere, anytime.
“We cannot be any clearer in our message – avoid the Fatal Five. Don’t speed. Don’t drive when you’re under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Always wear a seatbelt. Don’t drive when you’re tired. Don’t drive when distracted.
“2024 is the worst year in over a decade for Lives Lost on Territory Roads and police don’t want to be knocking on any more doors of families to deliver the worst possible news.
“We take road safety seriously and will work tirelessly to reduce the trauma on Territory roads. We ask that you join us in our endeavour to make our roads safer so we can all have a safe and Merry Christmas.
“Sort out your sober bob and make it home alive.”