Police were back out in force as stationary Random Breath and Roadside Drug Testing (RBT and RDT) recommenced across the state ahead of the long weekend.
In March, the NSW Police Force Executive, in consultation with Police Association of NSW, introduced a number of precautionary measures to reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection to frontline police and within the community.
One such measure was additional discretion from Commanders as to whether it was reasonable to undertake stationary RBT and RDT, which saw a significant reduction in stationary operations and increased mobile operations across NSW.
With the easing of various restrictions from June 1, including increased patronage at licenced premises and higher traffic volumes, frontline police across NSW resumed proactive stationary testing operations.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services, David Elliott, said: “With the easing of restrictions on travel and going out to support restaurants and pubs on the Queen’s Birthday long weekend, the community was understandably itching to return to some form of normalcy”.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy, said that this was the first long weekend since restrictions eased and implored the community to be responsible and drive safely.
“We’ve had bushfires, flooding and more recently the COVID-19 pandemic, so we understand that people are keen to travel regionally to stimulate the local economy,” Ast Comm Corboy said.
“However, there is no excuse to get behind the wheel and flagrantly flout the law.
“The road rules have not changed, and we make no apologies for stopping selfish road users whose irresponsible driving puts themselves and others at risk,” he said.
Source:
Press release, Jun 3
NSW Police Media