Police were out in force yesterday in and around the Darwin and Palmerston areas targeting drink drivers.

During the operation a number of Random Breath Testing stations were set up and members' breath tested 1720 drivers in the eight hour period from 12.00 noon to 8.00 pm.

Between these times police detected three drink drivers - one low range .079 percent and two mid range .120 and .139 percent.

"It appears that the message may be getting through with only three motorists out of the 1720 tested caught drink driving, "said Territory Duty Superintendent Dean Moloney.

"Police urge all motorists not to become complacent and remain vigilant on our roads - people need to understand that if they drink and drive they will be caught."

A further fifteen drivers were issued with Traffic Infringement Notices for a variety of other minor traffic offences.

A number of Random Breath Testing stations were conducted after midnight with a further four drink drivers detected:

A 28-year-old man was charged with low range drink driving (.076 percent)

Two men aged 25 and 63 were charged with medium range drink driving (.095 and .137 percent)

A 22-year-old man was charged with high range drink driving (.169 percent).

"With Christmas and the New Year fast approaching, police will continue to target drink drivers in a concerted effort to get these offenders and ensure that the roads remain safe."

Media contact:
Sue Bradley
8922 3185