Police in the Northern District have detected more than 260 speeding motorists during a week of targeted enforcement focused on the Fatal Five road safety risks.

The operation targeted high-risk school zones and rural roads, distracted driving and restraint offences, and impaired drivers across the district, with police conducting 605 roadside alcohol and drug tests.

Despite advance warning of increased police activity, officers detected the significant number of speeding offences, along with drivers affected by alcohol or drugs, using mobile phones, failing to wear seatbelts and driving while disqualified.

Of the 260 speeding offences, police detected:

• 114 drivers travelling less than 15km/h over the speed limit
• 135 drivers travelling between 15km/h and 29km/h over the speed limit
• 11 drivers travelling more than 30km/h over the speed limitPolice also detected:
• 15 drivers who returned positive oral fluid tests
• Four drink-driving offenders
• 31 drivers using mobile phones
• 10 drivers not wearing seatbelts
• Five disqualified drivers

All five disqualified drivers were arrested and charged and will appear in court at a later date.

Among the drink-driving offenders was a 34-year-old Newnham man who allegedly returned a breath analysis reading of 0.145 after driving from work drinks on Friday afternoon. He was charged and bailed to appear in court at a later date.

Police also arrested and charged two men with evading police during the operation:

• A 44-year-old Travellers Rest man, whose vehicle was confiscated for six months.
• A 43-year-old Golden Valley man, who was also charged with driving while disqualified. Two vehicles connected to him were confiscated for nine months.

Acting Inspector Luke Negri said the results were disappointing and highlighted the ongoing need for targeted enforcement.

“Every one of these offences had the potential to contribute to a serious or fatal crash,” Acting Inspector Negri said.

“Speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, using a mobile phone, failing to wear a seatbelt and driving while disqualified are all behaviours that put lives at risk.

“While we’re pleased there were no serious or fatal crashes on Northern District roads during the operation, these results show there is still work to do.

“Police will continue conducting highly visible and targeted enforcement activity across the Northern District. If you choose to drive dangerously, expect to be detected and held accountable.”

Members of the public can report dangerous driving, including dashcam footage, through the Enough is Enough reporting portal via the Tasmania Police website.

Anyone with information about dangerous driving or traffic offences should contact police on 131 444, or Triple Zero (000) in an emergency.