OPERATION “Rural Roads” was conducted last Saturday 13 February 2021 by police from the Port Stephens-Hunter Police District.

The operation consisted of General Duties and Highway Patrol police conducting high visibility patrols of the highway, Karuah, Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest.

During the operation 563 random breath tests, and 7 random drug tests were completed.

A 35 year old man was detected driving with the low range of prescribed alcohol in his blood for which he received a court attendance notice and his licence was suspended.

A 45 year old man was charged with driving with the mid-level of prescribed alcohol in his blood, his license was also suspended.

A 20 year old man returned a positive drug test whilst driving, his license was suspended for 24 hours and the drug matter to be investigated further when results are returned to police from the lab.

A 42 year old male was issued with a court attendance notice for driving whilst disqualified, and driving an unregistered and uninsured motor vehicle.

Numerous infringement notices were issued for speeding and seatbelt offences.

These operations are conducted to try and keep our roads a safer place, by detecting irresponsible drivers, and taking the appropriate action to hopefully educate them.