ACT Policing has charged more than 140 drivers with drink or drug driving as part of a targeted impaired driving operation last month.

ACT Policing officers conducted almost 23,000 tests during December. 64 people were caught drink driving, and 80 were caught driving with drugs in their system. Last year in total, 609 people were charged with drug driving and 614 were charged with drink driving.

Police issued a further 1,005 infringements for other traffic offences during December.

Detective Inspector Mark Steel, Officer in Charge of Road Policing, said: “It’s frustrating that after 40 years of drink driving rules, people in the ACT continue to put other road users, their passengers and themselves at risk by getting behind the wheel with alcohol or drugs in their system.

“The belief that you won’t be caught, that it is OK because it’s only a short trip or that I’m only just over the limit are all ridiculous excuses. The evidence is clear: impaired driving remains one of the key factors in collisions resulting in death and serious injury.

“I can assure all drivers on ACT roads that in 2026, we will continue to be relentless in our efforts to ensure that our roads are as safe as possible – and those doing the wrong thing will be caught and appropriate sanctions applied.”