Police are warning drivers to think before getting behind the wheel, following an increase in drink-driving in The Hume region.
Police have noticed an increase in dangerous driver behaviour following Operation Chrome – which ran between Friday 30 April 2021 and Sunday 3 May 2021 – where 30 motorists were charged with drink-driving offences.
Following the operation, officers attached to The Hume Traffic and Highway Patrol Command have maintained a high-visible presence on local roads and have detected more than a dozen motorists driving under the influence of alcohol since Sunday 3 May 2021.
The drivers were stopped in locations including the Old Hume Highway, Mittagong, Argyle Street, Moss Vale, Hume Street, Goulburn, and along the Barton Highway, Murrumbateman.
Around half were low-range drink-driving offences, but more concerningly, two drivers have been charged with high-range PCA.
One man was stopped on Hay Street Crookwell last Friday (14 May 2021), and when subjected to a breath analysis, returned an alleged reading of 0.161.
The next day (Saturday 15 May 2021), another motorist was stopped on Allanan Street, Young, and allegedly returned a reading of 0.171 – almost three-and-a-half times the legal alcohol limit.
The Hume Police District Commander, Superintendent Paul Condon says the number of motorists under the influence is not only disappointing, it's putting other road users in danger.
"It's alarming that so many motorists have been detected with alcohol in their system in such a short period of time. It was only due to police actions that a tragedy has been avoided.
"These detections are a clear indication that it's just a matter of time before those doing the wrong thing get caught and are dealt with under the law," Supt Condon said.
Acting Inspector, Gregory Macnamara from The Hume Police District says drivers need a plan B if they're consuming alcohol.
"Make alternative arrangements after a night out, and never let a mate drink and drive.
"Losing your licence can have major implications on your employment but being under the influence behind the wheel can very easily result in a loss of life," A/Insp Macnamara said.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
