Police wrap first of two double demerit point weekends

ACT Policing is generally happy with driver behaviour on the five days double demerit points were in effect for the Easter long weekend. 

Over the course of the weekend, ACT Road Policing issued 160 infringements, the majority for speeding offences, including at least one driver each day detected travelling at more than 45km/h in excess of the speed limit. 

Drink-driving and drug-driving offences were also down for the Easter period, but the high levels registered by drink drivers were concerning to police, with three drivers involved in collisions all detected at more than double their legal blood alcohol limit. 

Officer in Charge of ACT Road Policing, Acting Inspector Nathan Macklin said it seemed while the message about not drinking and driving had been effective for many motorists, these offender deliberately made poor choices. 

“I think the majority of people do the right thing and they choose to either drink or drive,” Acting Inspector Macklin said. 

“It is concerning that we are still seeing people who are not just miscalculating some drinks, but are just completely ignoring any sort of concern for any other member of the community and that they drive well and truly intoxicated.” 

Double demerit points will be in effect again in the ACT for the Anzac Day weekend, from Friday 22 April to Monday 25 April inclusive. 

All speeding, seatbelt, and mobile phone offences will again attract double demerit points, as will riding without a helmet, and all other traffic offences will incur one additional demerit point. 

Media enquiries 

Police Media — (02) 5126 9070, act-police-media@afp.gov.au