This year’s Easter traffic enforcement effort will be strengthened, with the Regional Enforcement Unit (REU) joining the police operation for the first time.
This newly established unit will be deployed to country highways, targeting unsafe driving behaviours this Easter long weekend.
The REU is part of an overall State Government effort to address the disproportionately high road toll in regional areas.
$18.5 million has been committed to recruit an additional 25 police officers for the specialist traffic squad.
Since it commenced patrols on January 15, the Regional Enforcement Unit has:
- Stopped nearly 9,000 cars;
- Carried out 7,500 breath tests; and
- Issued 614 infringements for speeding.
The REU patrols are highly visible with their distinctive Toyota Klugers, and are additional to the day-to-day highway patrols undertaken by regional police officers.
Double demerit points are in effect until midnight on Monday, April 2.
Photo: WA Police Highway Patrol Car. Credit: skazama / Flickr