Northern Territory Police have joined forces with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, the Department of Logistics and Infrastructure and Queensland Police as part of a cross-border road safety operation targeting one of the Territory’s busiest freight routes.

The three-day operation, conducted between 16 and 18 June 2026, focused on the Barkly Highway between Camooweal and Barkly Homestead, with police carrying out high-visibility patrols and compliance activities aimed at reducing the risk of serious and fatal crashes.

The joint operation targeted heavy vehicle compliance, including vehicle roadworthiness, load security and legal axle masses, while Northern Territory Police also focused on the fatal five road safety factors, including drink and drug driving, fatigue, speeding, seatbelts and distraction.

Throughout the operation, Territory Road Policing Division and Dog Operations Unit members conducted roadside enforcement activities between Camooweal and Avon Downs, resulting in:

• 3 random breath testing stations
• 335 drivers’ breath tested
• 140 roadside drug tests conducted
• 10 defect notices issued
• 10 Traffic Regulation and Penalty notices issued
• 2 Traffic Infringement Notices issued
• 1 Drug Infringement Notice issued following the seizure of cannabis
• 25 cautions issued

Senior Sergeant Gavin Hopwood said the operation highlighted the importance of compliance and ongoing enforcement on one of the Territory’s key transport routes.

“The Barkly Highway is a critical freight corridor and operations like this ensure both heavy vehicle operators and general motorists are held to a high safety standard.

“By working alongside our partner agencies, we’re able to combine our efforts and focus on reducing risk factors that contribute to serious and fatal crashes.

“Compliance with road rules, especially around fatigue, impairment and vehicle condition, is essential to keeping all road users safe.”