Kangaroo Point became a focal point for a major police operation targeting impaired drivers as Queensland school holidays began, with officers detecting 70 motorists driving under the influence during a single night.
Operation Xray Moffatt saw police establish strategic checkpoints along River Terrace, Main Street and Shafston Avenue on the night of 19 September, conducting more than 4,200 breath tests and 15 drug tests as part of a broader city-wide enforcement effort.
The operation resulted in 93 charges being laid across Brisbane, with 61 drivers caught over the alcohol limit and nine detected driving whilst drug-affected.
Acting Superintendent Jon Kent from North Brisbane District said there was no acceptable reason for putting other road users at risk.
“The fatal five messaging is not new, and every motorist has a responsibility to ensure their actions are not needlessly going to risk someone else’s life,” Acting Superintendent Kent said.
The overnight operation also detected 16 disqualified or unlicensed drivers, five unregistered or uninsured vehicles, and 60 traffic infringement notices were issued for various offences including vehicles operating without lights.
Acting Senior Sergeant Jay Jordan, Officer in Charge of Highway Patrol at Upper Mt Gravatt, expressed disappointment at the number of drivers found behind the wheel whilst impaired.
“It is unacceptable that some members of our community are still choosing to drive whilst affected by alcohol or drugs,” Acting Senior Sergeant Jordan said.
The September operation comes as Queensland’s road toll reached 221 lives lost, compared to 209 at the same time last year. Brisbane’s southern districts have recorded 22 fatalities this year, up from 14 in 2024, whilst the city’s northern areas have seen a decline from 20 deaths to nine.
Motorists can expect heightened police presence throughout the school holiday period under Operation Spring Break, with officers from highway patrol, Tactical Crime Squad and general duties conducting both visible and covert patrols.
Police continue to urge drivers to avoid the Fatal Five behaviours: speeding, drink and drug driving, not wearing seatbelts, fatigue and distraction.
Published 24-September-2025
