Police from Mackay and Rockhampton Road Policing Units have arrested almost 50 people as a result of traffic operation Tango Overtake, targeting a range of driving offences across Central Queensland.
Between 6am May 19 and 6pm May 20, police with the assistance of Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) personnel conducted high-visibility operations across the Rockhampton and Mackay districts.
Officers intercepted thousands of drivers, completing 6,575 RBTs and 535 roadside drug tests.
As a result, 444 traffic infringement notices were issued 49 people were arrested for various offences.
Road Policing and Regional Support Command Acting Chief Superintendent Ray Rohweder said the operation was a strong reminder to all Queensland drivers to expect police anywhere, anytime while on the road.
"Life-threatening behaviour behind the wheel will not be tolerated," Acting Chief Superintendent Rohweder said.
"It does not matter if you are driving through a busy city or in a rural or remote community."
As a result of last week's operation, 17 people returned positive drug tests and 11 people were caught driving over the legal alcohol limit.
A total of 12 drivers were issued defective vehicle repair notices.
While the operation was a success, Acting Chief Superintendent Rohweder said the Central Region had experienced a significant number of road fatalities since the start of the year.
"Very sadly we have already lost 34 lives on Central Queensland roads this year, including eight lives across the Capricornia and two lives from the Mackay district," he said.
"High-visibility traffic operations such as Operation Tango Overtake give police an opportunity to disrupt dangerous driver behaviour on a larger scale, but it is important to remember that driver safety is everyone's responsibility."
Road policing officers across Queensland will continue to target the Fatal Five - speeding, drink/drug driving, fatigue, lack of seatbelts and driver distraction.
Vision of recent police traffic intercepts from across the Central Region can be downloaded below.
