A random drug-testing operation conducted in the Goulburn area has resulted in more than 1,500 truck drivers being tested with 16 returning positive results.
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Officers from the Traffic & Highway Patrol Command’s Random Drug Testing Unit conducted an operation at the Marulan Heavy Vehicle Checking Station on the Hume Highway earlier in the week.
The operation ran between Tuesday 16 December and Thursday 18 December 2014, with police conducting 1,507 random drug tests.
Sixteen truck drivers were taken off the road after they allegedly returned positive results for drugs including cannabis and methamphetamines.
One driver was also arrested after he was allegedly detected driving under the influence of alcohol. He was later charged with driving with low-range PCA (prescribed concentration of alcohol).
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner John Hartley, said with yesterday’s launch of Operation Safe Arrival it was a poor start to the Christmas season for those drivers.
“This is about making the roads safe at a time when there will be more vehicles travelling throughout the state.
“Given the important role that heavy vehicle drivers have in getting goods across the country, they need to do so when fully fit and able to drive, not under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
“A drug-affected truck driver ultimately places themselves, their fleet operators, and other road users at great risk.
“Police and other road safety partners are there to ensure that all road users are able to enjoy Christmas with their families.
“Those using the roads during Operation Safe Arrival can expect to see our high-visibility fleet, other highway patrol vehicles and local police on the roads.
“Highway Patrol officers will be targeting six key issues which contribute to fatal crashes on our roads including drugs, alcohol, speeding, helmets, seatbelts and the use of mobile phones while driving,” said Assistant Commissioner Hartley.
Operation Safe Arrival runs from 12:01am today (Friday 19 December 2014) though until 11:59pm on Sunday 4 January 2015.
Double-demerit points apply for speeding, seatbelt and helmet offences from Wednesday 24 December 2014 until Sunday 4 January 2015 inclusive.