Holiday Road Safety Blitz Sees Strong Results in Burdekin

Queensland Police continue to focus on reducing road trauma as Operations X-Ray Surety and X-Ray Mistletoe conclude, with local police reporting strong enforcement outcomes across the Burdekin district.

Operation X-Ray Surety launched on 3 November 2025 in response to the increased use of e-mobility devices such as e-bikes and e-scooters, while Operation X-Ray Mistletoe, launched on 13 December 2025, targeted behaviours most commonly linked to fatal crashes, including speeding and drink and drug driving.

During Operation X-Ray Mistletoe, Queensland Police detected more than 32,100 traffic offences statewide, including 16,000 speeding offences, 300 seatbelt offences, and 200 distracted driving offences.

Police also conducted more than 177,500 roadside breath tests and 7,200 roadside drug tests, detecting more than 1,800 drink drivers and 1,500 drug drivers.

Closer to home, Ayr Police Station reported encouraging results, with just two drink driving charges laid despite 2,851 roadside breath tests being conducted during the period.

The station also issued 32 Traffic Infringement Notices for offences including speeding and mobile phone use, while 11 people were charged with drug driving after testing positive to methylamphetamine.

Operation X-Ray Surety resulted in more than 2,700 infringements issued to e-mobility users statewide, while locally, Ayr police issued warnings to three youths for riding e-bikes during the same period.

While the operations have concluded, Road Policing and Regional Support Command Chief Superintendent Mark Wheeler said road safety enforcement continues year-round.

“As students return to school, Queenslanders can expect to see police on our roads and in school zones,” Chief Superintendent Wheeler said.

“Dangerous behaviours such as speeding and drink driving will not be tolerated.”

Ayr Police Station Officer in Charge Senior Sergeant Lisa Shields said local police will be paying particular attention to reports of youths riding dirt bikes on public roads.

“Police will be taking enforcement action, with youths receiving official cautions alongside their parents or guardians at the station,” Senior Sergeant Shields said.

“If the offending continues, parents may receive traffic infringement notices for permitting unlicensed riding, and bikes may be seized.”

‍