Busy New Year’s Eve for police in Canberra

The majority of revellers celebrated New Year’s Eve in a responsible manner across Canberra, as police conducted patrols by vehicle and on foot, and by vessel on the lake.

ACT Policing were generally pleased with the behaviour of the New Year’s Eve revellers, with the alcohol-free zones within the city area functioning well and providing a memorable family event in warm conditions.

Police were kept busy throughout the night attending to a variety of calls.

“Particularly concerning and disappointing was the large number of young people, a portion of whom appeared to be affected by alcohol, and who were congregating in city well into the early hours of the morning,” Superintendent Ben Cartwright said.

“Police took 15 young people into protective custody for either intoxication, possession of, or consumption of alcohol. These young people were held by police until released into the care of a parent or guardian.”

One male person was arrested and charged with arson of a motor vehicle. He was remanded in custody after a vehicle fire that occurred during the 9pm fireworks display in the City.  

High visibility traffic patrol officers were busy throughout the evening and into the early morning today (Friday, January 1). A total of 520 random breath tests were conducted, with two people recording a positive reading. One male provided a reading of .215, four times over the legal limit. In addition three persons provided a positive reading to driving under the influence of drugs.

A 23-year-man, on a provisional license, was caught driving a silver Honda Accord on the Majura Parkway at 146km/h in a posted 100km/h zone.

Police stopped the driver before he was arrested and conveyed to the ACT Watch House where he was charged with exceeding the speed limit >45km over the speed limit, drive while immediate suspension notice in effect and contravene condition on license. 

ACT Policing is reminding drivers that it will be continue to conduct targeted traffic duties throughout the holiday period, targeting the top factors of serious crashes – drink/drug driving, speeding, fatigue, distraction and not wearing seatbelts.

Double demerit penalties are in place for speeding, seatbelt and mobile phone offences, with an additional demerit point for all other offences until the last moment of Sunday 3 January.