The safety of road users on Thursday Island and throughout the Torres Strait is the focus of an upcoming four-week targeted traffic operation.

From Monday 23 March, police will be conducting Operation Yankee Zones, aimed at improving road safety and reducing road-related incidents in Torres Strait communities.

Officer in Charge of Thursday Island Police Station, Senior Sergeant Corey Stevens, said officers would have zero tolerance for dangerous behaviour on the roads, especially behaviours that put other road users and members of the community at risk.

“The operation will see police conducting enhanced patrols across the region with a strong focus on drink driving and drug driving,” said Senior Sergeant Stevens.

“We will also continue to target people using mobile phones while driving, drivers and passengers failing to wear seatbelts and driving with children not appropriately restrained.

“Not only do all of these behaviours put lives at risk, the penalties are also significant attracting a $1,251 fine and four demerit points.”