Major Police Crackdown in Fremantle Nets Over 40 Offending Drivers
Western Australian police have conducted a significant road safety operation in Fremantle, resulting in more than 40 motorists being caught flouting traffic laws during a single-day targeted lockdown. The operation, which took place on Saturday, 7 February 2026, represents the first major road policing initiative of the year and forms part of ongoing efforts to detect and remove impaired drivers from Western Australian roads.
Extensive Testing Reveals Widespread Offences
During the intensive operation, WA Police officers from multiple specialised units including breathe and drug operations, road policing investigations, and mobile camera operations conducted comprehensive drug and alcohol tests on nearly 5000 drivers across the Fremantle area. The results revealed concerning patterns of illegal behaviour among a significant number of motorists.
Of the thousands tested, 24 drivers were caught exceeding the legal alcohol limit, while a further five tested positive for illicit drugs in their system. These figures highlight the persistent challenge of substance-impaired driving despite repeated warnings and enforcement campaigns.
Additional Traffic Violations Detected
Beyond the serious offences of drink and drug driving, police identified numerous other violations during the operation. Six motorists were caught using their mobile phones while driving, five were detected speeding, and one driver was found operating a vehicle without wearing a seatbelt. These additional offences demonstrate a broader pattern of risky driving behaviour that compromises road safety for all users.
Police Warning: Zero Tolerance for Impaired Driving
Superintendent Michael Dalla-Costa of the road policing command issued a stern warning to motorists, emphasising that those driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol would inevitably face consequences. "If you choose to drive while affected by alcohol or drugs, you are deliberately putting other people at risk," he stated firmly.
"You will be stopped. You will be tested. And if you break the law, you will be held fully accountable." This clear message underscores the police commitment to rigorous enforcement and community protection through proactive road safety measures.
Historical Context and Ministerial Response
The Fremantle operation follows a pattern of similar enforcement activities across Perth throughout the previous year. In 2025, police conducted nine separate lockdown operations that resulted in 276 motorists being caught driving under the influence and 49 testing positive for illicit substances. During those operations, up to 29 vehicles were impounded, demonstrating the serious consequences facing offending drivers.
Police Minister Reece Whitby highlighted the increased police presence on Western Australian roads and appealed directly to drivers to exercise responsibility. "We're committed to keeping the community safe by ensuring drivers are following road rules," he affirmed.
"But to the drivers who are disregarding the law by driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol — I urge you to change your behaviour or you will get caught." This dual approach of enforcement and education reflects the government's comprehensive strategy to improve road safety outcomes across the state.
Community Safety as Priority
The targeted operation in Fremantle represents a concentrated effort to address dangerous driving behaviours in specific locations where risk factors may be elevated. By deploying multiple police resources simultaneously, authorities aim to create a deterrent effect while directly removing impaired drivers from the road network.
These lockdown operations form part of a broader road safety framework that combines enforcement, education, and infrastructure improvements to reduce traffic-related injuries and fatalities. The significant number of offences detected during a single operation suggests that ongoing vigilance and regular enforcement activities remain essential components of Western Australia's road safety strategy.
