Bundaberg operation fines dozens of drivers over defective vehicles

Bundaberg Police are reminding motorists to keep their vehicles compliant after a joint operation with Transport and Main Roads (TMR) targeting defective vehicles in the area.

Highway Patrol officers worked with TMR Compliance officers to intercept 164 vehicles for defect checks over four days, from 15 to 18 October.

In total, 76 defect notices were issued, 56 of them for major defects. Police also issued 53 penalty infringement notices (PINs) for offences including unregistered vehicles, unapproved modifications, load restraints and vehicles being over mass.

Officers conducted more than 120 roadside breath tests and eight random drug tests during the operation. One of the drug tests allegedly returned a positive result for drug driving.

A further 15 traffic infringement notices (TINs) were issued for offences including speeding, unregistered and uninsured vehicles, expired driver licences and creating unnecessary noise or smoke.

Officer in Charge of Bundaberg Highway Patrol Sergeant Gordon Hard said police would continue to work with other agencies to target defective vehicles on roads and beaches across the division.

The operation formed part of Operation Interpose, under which police are bolstering high-visibility patrols across Queensland, engaging with road users and enforcing the laws to deter dangerous driving behaviours. Police said driving under the influence, speeding, driving distracted or fatigued, or not wearing a seatbelt puts lives at serious risk, and that these behaviours will not be tolerated.

Police said road safety starts with every driver.