Every bus driver entering the Uluru National Park for sunrise viewing in the past two days has been breath tested in a joint operation involving police from the Southern Traffic Operations, Yulara and Mutitjulu communities.

Sergeant Conan Robertson said the two-day traffic campaign targeting bus drivers and tour operators aimed at providing a high-profile police presence in the form of Roadside Breath Testing stations at the entrance to the Uluru National Park .

"We conduct these campaigns from time to time to deter drinking and drug taking in those drivers who drive commercial passenger vehicles," Sgt Roberston said.

"During the two days of the campaign every bus or tour vehicle which entered the park between 5am and 6am for the sunrise viewing was pulled over and the driver tested. It has to be said that it was pleasing to note that only one of the drivers tested had alcohol in his blood. The 44-year-old driver will appear in court in December after he was found to be driving a coach with 22 passengers aboard with a blood alcohol level of .073 per cent."

Drivers of commercial passenger vehicles are required to have a zero alcohol level.

Sgt Robertson said police also conducted random drug tests on commercial drivers, however, none tested positive.

"This is the first time we have used the random drug tests at Yulara and while many drivers were surprised to see us using them, it was again pleasing to note none were detected as driving under the influence of drugs."

During the special operation 213 drivers were breath-tested including every tour company and coach company driver entering the park. Five drivers of private motor vehicles were also issued with traffic infringement notices for speeding and driving unregistered and uninsured vehicles.

Sgt Robertson said police would continue to conduct such joint campaigns as part of their on-going commitment to road safety .


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