A police operation has revealed a bus driver was over the limit while driving a school bus
A Queensland operation targeting drink driving at schools has come to an end with a total of 51 people arrested – including a bus driver.
As a result of the operation, a 53-year-old man was found to be over the limit while dropping children off at school.
Operation Collude focused on drivers during the morning and afternoon drop-off and pick-up period since June.
Out of the total number of arrests, 10 people were found to be driving under the influence.
Officers conducted 5486 breath tests, and issued 259 infringement notices of which 145 were for speeding.
Other offences included unlicensed driving, drug possession, public nuisance, and warrant offences.
Logan Police Superintendent Ben Hanbidge says police are appalled at the results.
“Initially the operation was commenced as a road safety initiative to increase police visibility during the busy school pick-up drop-off times, but before we knew it, drink drivers were being arrested fairly frequently,” he says.
“A 32-year-old woman was arrested outside a Beaudesert school on August 14 and allegedly returned a blood alcohol reading in excess of 0.20. She was scheduled to appear in Beaudesert Magistrates Court on September 16.
“Equally concerning, a 53-year-old male driver of a school bus in the Logan Central area was breath tested at 7.50am and allegedly returned a reading of 0.07.
“We are concerned that this is only the tip of the iceberg, and that the practice is widespread.
These people have scant regard for the safety of their own children, other students, and other “motorists.”
Hanbidge says Operation Collude will re-commence with the 2016 school year.
“We will be continuing with this initiative, and police will have a zero tolerance to school zone traffic offences,” he says.
“I hope parents use some common sense, if they have to collect their kids, then they just don’t drink.”
The bus driver scheduled to appear in Beenleigh Magistrates Court on January 6, 2016.