Be prepared to lose your Christmas bonus in one fell swoop if you disobey road rules this Christmas season.
Red light runners, speedsters and dangerous drivers are the target of The Queensland Police Service (QPS) road officers with the launch of Operation Mistletoe from 13 December to 27 January.
Expect to see plenty of high-visibility police motorbikes across the state to reduce road fatalities this Christmas after a horror year on the roads for 2024 in Queensland with 287 fatalities and more than 6000 serious injuries.
The Commissioner of Police, Steve Gollschewski APM, said reducing the number of fatalities and injuries on Queensland roads is a priority for the Service.
“Tragically, Queensland is on track to have more than 300 lives lost on our roads this year – the highest number of deaths in nearly two decades,” Commissioner Gollschewski said.
“As of December 13, 287 lives have tragically been lost on Queensland roads, marking a significant rise from this time last year, which saw 267 lives lost for the year.
“Many of these fatalities have been the result of speeding, drink driving and driver inattention.
“Operation Mistletoe will see police focus on these bad driver behaviours to help make Queensland roads safer this Festive season.”
QPS Road Policing and Regional Support Command’s Acting Chief Superintendent Garrath Channells said the operation is taking a tactical and targeted approach.
“The addition of more than 100 road policing motorcycles means we have dedicated resources out there deterring and detecting speeding offences, and ensuring road users are driving to the conditions,” Acting Chief Superintendent Channells said.
“We know it’s a busy time of year with people travelling to visit loved ones or holiday destinations.
“Just remember, from the outback to the beaches, and from Coolangatta to Cape York, we will have police patrolling our roads – you could see them anywhere, anytime.”
Police encourage drivers, riders, and pedestrians to be patient and courteous on the road this holiday season.
