Home

COPS HIT ROAD IN CHRISTMAS BLITZ

Headshot of Jackson Barrett
Jackson BarrettBusselton Dunsborough Times
Sen Const Brad Walder and First Class Const Rob Hubbard warn drivers to behave this holiday season.
Camera IconSen Const Brad Walder and First Class Const Rob Hubbard warn drivers to behave this holiday season. Credit: Picture: Catherine Massey

Busselton police are set to begin what Police Minister Michelle Roberts has described as a “traffic blitz” to keep the roads safe during the holiday period.

The region is set for an influx of holidaymakers, many of whom may be inexperienced on country roads, with police preparing to increase the number of patrols carried out to manage the increase in traffic.

Acting Sen. Sgt Jerry Samoa said the priority was keeping people safe as visitors flocked to town.

“This time of year we will see an influx of holidaymakers to town so, as a result, we ramp up all our traffic patrols, concentrating on targeting speeding, drink-driving, seatbelt offences, using mobile phones and the like,” he said.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

“You are going to see a lot more RBTs being conducted on the road, as well as officers targeting those other offences.”

Marked and unmarked vehicles will be involved in the blitz and the double demerit period begins today, running until Sunday, January 3.

Ms Roberts announced the crackdown on Tuesday, calling for West Australians to be patient and careful on the roads. “This festive season we want all Western Australians to travel safely and enjoy time with their family and friends,” she said.

“There will be a big police presence throughout the State.

“But let us all show some courtesy, consideration and care on the roads this holiday season.

“Whilst we regularly hear about the people killed on WA roads, hundreds more are injured on WA roads every year.”

Acting Sen. Sgt Samoa said the large number of tourists on the road would require some extra resources for the town from WA Police’s traffic enforcement group.

“Given the type of town Busselton is and with some of the (COVID-19) restrictions easing, we are going to have a lot of people coming into town,” he said.

“They are almost all local resources. But we have had the traffic enforcement group in town recently and we do expect them to be coming in over the holiday period to assist with enforcement as well.”

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails