Nearly one in seven drivers returned positive drug tests during a police operation targeting dangerous driving in the Hunter region, prompting concerns from authorities about road safety.
Operation Spoiler results
Highway patrol officers conducted Operation Spoiler from May 15 to May 17, following high rates of fatal and serious injury crashes and anti-social driving in the Hunter Valley and Port Stephens. Police focused on speeding and impaired driving offences in areas including Maitland, Cessnock, Singleton and Scone.
During the operation, officers conducted 7597 random breath tests, with 35 returning positive results. They also performed 649 drug tests, with 92 positive results — representing about 14.2 per cent of those tested. Police said secondary tests were undertaken for all 92 drivers, and samples were sent for further analysis.
Just over 1000 infringement notices were issued, including three for speeding more than 45 km/h over the limit. A total of 45 charges were laid for alleged traffic and criminal offences.
Police reaction
Newcastle-Hunter Highway Patrol Chief Inspector Thomas Barnes said the operation's results pointed to poor decision making by some drivers.
"These figures are deeply concerning and highlight that too many drivers are still choosing to get behind the wheel after consuming drugs or alcohol," Chief Inspector Barnes said. "Drug driving remains a major contributor to serious crashes, and the fact that nearly one in seven drivers tested returned a positive result is a concern for police and the community."
He said police would continue to target high-risk behaviour to keep roads safe. The operation comes amid ongoing efforts to reduce road trauma in the region, which has seen a number of fatal crashes in recent months.
