Police continued their road safety focus in north-west Tasmania over the Recreation Day long weekend, with multiple drivers caught breaking the road rules.

“Tragically this year we have seen a devastating increase in fatalities on our roads, and it’s disappointing to see that some motorists continue to put themselves and other road users at risk,” said Acting Inspector Martin Parker.

Over the long weekend, at traffic operations conducted by police across north-west Tasmania:

• Four drivers were charged with drink driving:

1. A 23-year-old man from Devonport was detected on Stanley Street, Latrobe, and returned a reading of 0.162.
2. A 66-year-old man from Shorewell Park was detected on Mount Street, Burnie, and returned a reading of 0.117.  He was not wearing a seatbelt.
3. A 47-year-old man from Waratah was detected on Main Road, Penguin, and returned a reading of 0.119.
4. A 37-year-old man from Tugrah riding an ATV quad bike was detected on Top Farm Track, Granville Harbour, and returned a reading of 0.083.

• Three drivers – one in Burnie and two in Devonport – returned positive results for driving with drugs in their system. They will be summonsed to appear in court at a later date.

• A 34-year-old Westbury man was detected driving while disqualified at Stoney Rise.  He will be summonsed to appear in Court at a later date.

• A 28-year-old woman from East Devonport evaded police on Wyllie Street, Devonport and was later charged with several offences including evade police (aggravated circumstances), drive whilst not the holder of a driver licence, breach of bail conditions, use unregistered motor vehicle, and unlawfully possess dangerous article in a public place. She was detained for court and remanded in custody to appear in the Devonport Magistrates Court on 4 November 2025.

• A 19-year-old man from Burnie evaded police in the Burnie area and was later charged with evade police (aggravated circumstances), drive whilst not the holder of a driver licence, ride motor bike when not wearing helmet, and use unregistered motor vehicle. He was bailed to appear in the Burnie Magistrates Court on 20 January 2026.

• 43 traffic infringement notices were issued for speeding offences, with a 50-year-old Burnie man detected travelling at 97km/h in a 60 km/h zone issued a fine of $615 and 5 demerit points.

Acting Inspector Martin Parker said Tasmania Police will continue its road safety efforts.

“It is extremely disappointing that some individuals continue to disregard the law and endanger other road users by undertaking risky driving behaviours,” he said.

“We will continue to conduct targeted and random patrols on Tasmania’s roads to detect and deter high-risk behaviours such as speeding, drink driving, inattention, and not wearing seatbelts.”

“These factors overwhelmingly contribute to serious and fatal crashes.”

“Please help police to keep everyone safe by doing the right thing every time you travel on the roads.”

Incidents of dangerous driving can be reported to police on 131 444 or Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Reports can also be made via Crime Stoppers Tasmania on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.