Long weekend drivers lauded

Police have praised the behaviour of drivers in the Great Southern over the Labour Day long weekend despite handing out close to 100 infringements for speeding.

Additional police resources were deployed into regional areas including the Great Southern throughout the double demerit period in a bid to avoid a repeat of the road trauma last year when 11 people died over the same three-day holiday period.

Great Southern Traffic Enforcement Acting Sergeant David Johnston said there was a visible police presence on the roads throughout the weekend.

“Generally speaking, the behaviour of the public was good,” he said.

“Police appreciate people are doing their best.

“We had horrendous road toll figures last year and we will do what we can to avoid a repeat and the public are buying into that.”

However, Sgt Johnston said 88 infringements for speeding were issued and 13 drivers were charged with driving without a licence.

Out of 2000 random breath tests, less than 10 were caught driving over the legal blood alcohol limit of 0.05 per cent.

“What was of concern was a number of drivers doing speeds of concern on Albany Highway,” he said.

“Speeding at all is of concern, but when it is in a 110km/h zone, there is a direct link with road trauma and driving over the posted speed limit.

Sgt Johnston said drivers should expect an even greater emphasis on road safety from police over the Easter period.