Police target Sunshine Coast motorists
Mon 27 March 2006
Michelle McLochlan, Journalism
Police are cracking down on Sunshine Coast motorists following a traffic enforcement operation in the Coolum and Noosa area on March 17 to 19.
The traffic enforcement - named Operation Shillelagh - has recorded alarming results, a report released by Queensland Police said.
Thirty-four drink drivers were caught during the three day operation. North Coast Regional Traffic Coordinator, Acting Inspector Rod Frain, is concerned with the high number of offences. 
“This is almost double the state average,” Mr Frain said in a media release.
An additional 134 traffic infringement notices were issued to motorists for offences including speeding, not wearing seatbelts and driving unregistered vehicles.
A lead-foot motorist was also caught speeding at 156km/h in a 110km/h zone. Queensland Transport Road Safety reports that speeding continues to be one of the major killers on Queensland's roads.
Over the past five years speeding accidents have contributed to 268 fatalities and 1983 hospitalisations in Queensland. About 30 per cent of Queensland's road deaths are also thought to be alcohol-related. In a media release from Queensland Police Mr Frain said increased technology helped police detect traffic offenders and will assist in future operations.“Police are also honing intelligence to deploy resources more effectively (and) the message to irresponsible motorists is that their chances of being caught are significantly increasing,” Mr Frain said.
I
n addition to police operations, Queensland Transport recently launched a number of public education campaigns in an attempt to reduce fatalities on Queensland roads.
With the Easter holidays approaching Mr Frain urged motorists to drive responsibly with caution and patience.
“It is important to drive within your limitations, the capabilities of the vehicle, the road condition(s) and the law,” Mr Frain said.Queensland Transport road crash data recorded 328 fatalities in 2005.
Image(s) designed by Queensland Police