More than 40 drivers caught flouting the law during one-day road safety lockdown operation in FremantleJessica EvensenThe West AustralianMon, 9 February 2026 3:46PMCommentsCommentsEmail Jessica Evensen
More than 40 motorists have been caught flouting the law during a one-day road safety crackdown in Perth’s western suburbs.
WA Police officers — including officers from breathe and drug operations, road policing investigations and mobile camera operations — conducted drug and alcohol tests on nearly 5000 drivers during a major lockdown operation, the first of 2026, in Fremantle on Saturday.
Of the thousands of drivers, 24 were caught driving over the legal alcohol limit, with a further five testing positive to drugs.
Six motorists were caught using their mobile phone, five were caught speeding and one was caught driving without a seatbelt.
Superintendent Michael Dalla-Costa, of the road policing command, warned motorists driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol would be caught and brought to justice.
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“If you choose to drive while affected by alcohol or drugs, you are deliberately putting other people at risk,” he said.
“You will be stopped. You will be tested. And if you break the law, you will be held fully accountable.”
It comes after police caught 276 motorists driving under the influence and 49 with illicit substances in their system over nine separate lockdown operations across Perth last year.
Up to 29 vehicles were also impounded.
Police Minister Reece Whitby said there were more police officers on the ground than ever before, and pleaded with drivers to be responsible and obey the road rules.
“We’re committed to keeping the community safe by ensuring drivers are following road rules,” he said.
“But to the drivers who are disregarding the law by driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol — I urge you to change your behaviour or you will get caught.”
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