Driver charged after allegedly blowing more than four times the legal limit

Riverina Police District have charged a driver with high range drink driving. Photo: Traffic and Highway Patrol Command – NSW Police Force.

A 24-year-old male driver was charged with drink driving and had his licence suspended during Operation Labour Day.

Police say officers attached to Riverina Highway Patrol stopped a utility driven by a man after he left a licensed venue in Lockhart about 8:10 pm on 29 September.

The driver allegedly returned a positive breath test and was taken to Wagga Wagga Police Station for a breath analysis. The test results returned an alleged reading of 0.227 – more than four times the legal blood alcohol limit.

Operation Labour Day was conducted from Friday 29 September, at 12:01 am until Monday 2 October, at 11:59 pm with double demerit points in force.

During the four-day statewide operation, police issued 11,080 traffic infringement notices, with 3823 issued for speeding and a further 287 issued for mobile phone usage. 248 people were charged with drink driving offences, and 444 returned a positive result after roadside drug tests.

Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden said although the long weekend operation was over, families continued to travel around the state throughout the school holiday period and were urged to plan their trips.

“Sadly, we have lost three lives during this traffic operation – three too many. Despite the operation concluding, I’m still urging drivers to be careful on our roads and follow the rules,” Assistant Commissioner McFadden said.

“Our officers have seen far too many drivers this long weekend driving dangerously and putting other motorists at risk, and it needs to stop.

“Think about the consequences before you get behind the wheel and consider how your actions can affect other road users. Police will continue to target these drivers who engage in speeding, drink driving or other driving offences,” he said.