Members of the Northern Territory Police Force were generally pleased with the behaviour of attendees at the Finke Desert Race over the long weekend. Police were deployed across the weekend to support event officials and other emergency services in maintaining spectator and competitor safety.
The Territory Road Policing Division, comprised of members from both Darwin and Southern Traffic Operations, achieved the following results:
- 2629 negative alcohol breath tests
- 13 positive alcohol breath tests
- 42 negative drug tests
- 10 positive drug tests
- 7 arrests
- 8 notices to appear issued
- 254 traffic infringement notices issued
Police would like to thank road users for their cooperation and understanding.
Around 12:50pm on Monday 9 June, police arrested a 60-year-old man who had allegedly been previously instructed by event officials to move at least 30-metres away from the racetrack. He was later sighted by police within 30-metres of the track within a clearly marked area. He subsequently was issued a Notice to Appear in the Alice Springs Local Court and directed not to return to the event area.
Superintendent Michael Budge said, “Overall, we were happy with the conduct of attendees and hope everyone enjoyed the long weekend.
“Police would like to remind the public of drone regulations at events that involve helicopters or other aircraft.
“Throughout the event, police and officials responded to multiple reports of drones being operated within the airspace surrounding the course. Due to the nature of the event, helicopters are required to fly at low altitudes and in close proximity to the track to conduct safety sweeps and facilitate medical evacuations.
“The presence of drones in this environment poses a serious collision risk to aircraft and their occupants, and we’re thankful that no such incident occurred.”
For more information on drone regulations, visit: https://www.casa.gov.au/knowyourdrone/drone-rules.
