Police detected eight drink drivers across the Western District within three days.
On Friday a 43 year old man from West Ulverstone was detected on Forbes Street in Devonport at 11:50am. He returned a blood alcohol reading of 0.087 and has been charged with drink driving, driving without a licence and providing a false name.
Later that evening, a 23 year old man from Penguin was detected on Leven Street, Ulverstone at 11:59pm. He returned a blood alcohol reading of 0.072 and has been charged with drink driving.
On Saturday, a 24 year old man from Devonport was detected at 3 Mile Line, Burnie at 3:25am. He returned a reading of 0.149 – nearly three times the legal limit.
He has been charged with speeding and drink driving.
A 36 year old man from Ulverstone was detected on Saturday night on Wrights Road at Ulverstone, about 8.06pm, returning a reading of 0.238 – nearly five times the legal limit. He has been charging with drink driving, having an unregistered and uninsured motor vehicle, and minor drug-related offences.
A short time later, a 21 year old man from Sassafras was detected on Sheffield Road, about 8.12pm, and returned a reading of 0.161 – more than three times the legal limit. The driver was detected after he reportedly crashed into a power pole. He received minor injuries in the crash, and has been charged with drink driving.
A 56 year old man from Devonport was detected later in the evening in the Devonport area about 9.45pm, returning a reading of 0.108 – more than twice the legal limit. He has been charged with drink driving.
On Sunday, a 38 year old man from Sheffield was detected on Mersey Main Road, Spreyton at 12:05am, returning a reading of 0.213 – more than four times the legal limit. He has been charged with drink driving.
An 18 year old Barrington P-plater with a suspended licence was then detected on Victory Avenue, Devonport at 2:25am, returning a reading of 0.082. He has been charged with drink driving.
Acting Inspector Martin Parker said it was disappointing for police to detect such high numbers of drink drivers in such a short period of time.
“One drink driver is one too many – particularly when the drivers are returning such high readings,” he said.
“Not only does drink driving put other road users at risk, but it is even more dangerous during the winter months when road conditions are poor.”
