Targeting driver distraction, seatbelts and child restraints, Operation Lomani uncovered a number of traffic offences by drivers in Katherine yesterday during the 24-hour Territory-wide road safety campaign.

Around 3pm yesterday, a 33-year-old male was apprehended on the Victoria Highway allegedly driving an unregistered/uninsured vehicle with an expired driver’s licence, while under the influence of drugs. He was also allegedly in possession of cannabis.

Later that evening around 7:30pm, a 26-year-old male driver returned a positive result to a drug saliva test on the Victoria Highway. He was issued an infringement for driving unlicensed, driving an unregistered/uninsured motor vehicle and driving with a prohibited drug in his blood.  

A drug detector dog was deployed and detected cannabis secreted inside the vehicle. A 21-year-old male passenger was charged with possession in a public place.

Just prior to 11:30pm again on the Victoria Highway, a 17-year-old male learner driver was pulled over and allegedly found to have no supervisor in the front passenger seat. An unrestrained 16-year-old passenger was also in the vehicle and the vehicle’s registration had expired nearly three months ago.

The learner driver was issued a Notice to Appear in court for driving unlicensed, driving an unregistered/ uninsured motor vehicle and driving with a child unrestrained.

The Northern Territory’s road toll currently stands at 43, compared to 23 this time last year.