Breatho blues soil start to weekend

THE number of drink and drug drivers nabbed on the first day of Tasmania Police’s annual Easter road blitz has authorities worried.

Operation Crossroads kicked off yesterday and 2820 random drug and alcohol tests were conducted on the state’s roads.

Eleven drivers were charged with drink driving offences and nine returned positive oral fluid tests for drugs.

This compares to 10 and seven drivers respectively last year when more than 5000 tests were conducted.

Included in the 11 offenders was a 24-year-old man who crashed and wrote off his utility in Launceston before returning an alcohol reading of 0.115. He was charged with driving under the influence and exceed 0.05.

“Although it is too early to start drawing meaningful comparisons to previous years, it is disappointing to see with less random drug and alcohol tests conducted compared to the same reporting period last year, the number of drivers charged has increased,” Acting Inspector Steve Jones said.

No serious crashes have been recorded on the roads so far this Easter break. Last year was fatality free but one serious crash was recorded.

So far, 58 drivers have been fined for speeding, 11 for inattentive driving, five for using mobile phones and five for seatbelt offences.

“We are asking all road users to plan ahead and make sure you allow plenty of time to arrive at your destination,” Insp Jones said.

Motorists had to practise patience yesterday as they encountered the traditional logjam getting on to the Bruny Island ferry.

Traffic was backed up to the Channel Highway from the ferry dock.

Staff of the Bruny Island Ferry Company shuttled patrons aboard the two ferries — MV Bowen and Mirambeena.

Bruny Island Ferry Company chief executive Graeme Phillips said the drivers showed patience and were well behaved.

“We have moved the traffic better this year,” he said.

“Both boats will be running consistently over the Easter weekend.”