Northern Territory Police have been pleased with the majority of drivers during the first week of Operation Crossroads but continue to be frustrated with road users speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol, driving unregistered vehicles and driving without a valid licence.

Since December 23rd 18 drivers have been arrested for drink driving with the Northern and Southern regions recording nine each.

A 40 year-old man returned a reading of 0.253% after Police stopped his vehicle 115 kilometres north of Alice Springs on day one of the operation.  His car was dangerously unsafe with the arresting officer noting the unregistered and uninsured vehicle had a broken windscreen, faulty brakes and bald tyres among a nightmare list of poor mechanics.

Sergeant Conan Robertson from the Southern Traffic Operations unit said that the disqualified driver was arrested.

“It doesn’t matter where you are on Territory roads this festive season we will be testing you and your vehicle” Sergeant Robertson added.

On the same day in Alice Springs a 56 year man was arrested for driving while suspended, in an unregistered and uninsured vehicle and who was so drunk he was unable to supply a breath test or undo his seatbelt.

On Christmas Eve Alice Springs Police apprehended three drivers over a six hour period driving the same unregistered and uninsured vehicle with a shattered windscreen and bald tyres.  A 27 year-old man returned a breath test of 0.104% at around ten in the morning and was charged with drink driving, driving unlicensed and was issued a defective vehicle notice.

Police were understandably dismayed to see the same vehicle around midday and duly pulled the car over to find the 24 year-old, disqualified male driver had a breath alcohol reading of 0.147%.  He was also charged with driving an unroadworthy, unregistered and uninsured vehicle.

At around four in the afternoon the vehicle was spotted driving along the Ross Highway, the 41 year-old female driver was charged with driving an unsafe vehicle, failing to supply a breath test, failing to produce a licence upon request and failure to display her ‘L’ plates.

“None of the drivers offered any explanation as to why they were driving the unsafe vehicle and putting themselves and other road users at risk, in every case there were four to six passengers in the vehicle at the time of being stopped by Police.” said Sergeant Robertson.

On the same day in Darwin a 31 year-old man was stopped by Police and was found to be driving an unregistered and uninsured vehicle with incorrect plates.  He was bailed and forty minutes later was arrested by the same officer, driving the same car and was charged with the same offences.

Senior Sergeant Andrew Heath, Officer in charge of Darwin Traffic Operations, said the man displayed idiotic behaviour.

“This attitude to driving will not be tolerated.  If drivers wish to flout the law they will be caught and they will be prosecuted.”

On Christmas day a 20 year-old man was arrested after Alice Springs Police clocked him doing 100 kmh in a 60 zone.  The driver was unlicensed and returned a breath reading of 0.126%.  He told Police he was taking the car for a test drive.

Sergeant Conan Robertson said the man combined three of the fatal six poor driving habits with driving drunk, speeding and showing a fair amount of stupidity.

“He was also issued with a $320 speeding fine.  Disappointingly another two drivers were also fined the same amount for driving between 30 and 40 kmh above the posted limit and three others were issued $200 fines for speeding.”

“Our road toll is rising at an alarming rate and it doesn't need help from people who just don't care about the consequences of their actions.” Sergeant Robertson added.

Overall, 4,330 drivers have been tested across the Territory with 18 arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.  37 drivers were unlicensed, suspended or disqualified, 68 vehicles were unregistered and uninsured, 258 drivers were fined for speeding and 218 other traffic infringement notices were issued.

One person has died so far.

Senior Sergeant Heath said Police across the Territory will be out in Force right through this festive season and into the New Year. Anyone who dares to drink and drive will be caught. Marked and unmarked police vehicles will be out on the arterial roads and back streets anywhere, anytime. If you drink and drive you deserve it.