South-west police targeting drink drivers on New Year's Eve

Paul Bertoncello said police would be out in force.

"We don't want to be the social distance and mask police forever but when people start to cross the line and put themselves and others in danger, that's when we will intervene," Acting Superintendent Bertoncello said.

"We all deserve the opportunity to get out and enjoy ourselves after the last couple of years but it's just about tempering it a little bit.

"We want people to enjoy themselves without overstepping the bounds."

Acting Superintendent Bertoncello said there had been some concerning behaviour displayed on south-west roads in recent weeks.

"We did see some positive driver behaviour, but there was also some behaviour which left a lot to be desired."

Acting Superintendent Bertoncello said he was concerned the message about speeding and drink-driving wasn't getting through to some people. "We've seen some horrendously high detections in terms of drink driving and they're not tourists, they're locals," he said.

Acting Superintendent Bertoncello said research proved people often had accidents close to home. "We've all been through a lot in the past two years and some of the readings are up around the three, four and five times the limit, which is very concerning."

Acting Superintendent Bertoncello said driver distraction was another concern.

He warned people of the dangers of using a mobile phone while behind the wheel of a car.

"Unfortunately in the south-west there are narrow country roads and it only takes a short time of looking down at your phone to go off onto the shoulder or travel into oncoming traffic," he said.

Superintendent Bertoncello said police would also patrolling licensed premises on New Year's Eve.

"We'll be making sure licensed premises are complying with the laws and also the general public," Acting Superintendent Bertoncello said.

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