These officers were based in Cootamundra. 

Over the three-day ‘Operation Slowdown’, which including Saturday, Sunday and Monday, Cootamundra Highway Patrol officers conducted 2377 breath tests. 

From these, five people were caught drink driving, including one low-range offence, one high range offence and three mid-range offences. 

Cootamundra Highway Patrol Sergeant Jim Prentice said five offences is five too many, in particular the high range offence, which involved a blood alcohol reading of 0.204. 

This offence took place about 6.50am on Monday, October 5, with the 33-year-old man from Cootamundra spotted driving south along the Olympic Highway near Wallendbeen allegedly swerving from side to side within the southbound lane. 

When it comes to long weekend, motorists know there will be extra police on our roads, however this did not stop 110 people on passageways in the command flouting the law and being caught speeding. 

Sergeant Prentice said on the open highways, most people were doing the right thing and sticking to the speed limit. 

It was the restricted speed areas in and around towns where people had their foot down. 

“There were four people speeding by more than 20 km/h in a half an hour period in Wallendbeen,” Sergeant Prentice said. 

“It is a 60 zone for a reason,” he added. 

There were also four people caught without a seatbelt. 

Sergeant Prentice said this is a high number considering the education programs in place. 

“The natural instinct of most people when they get in the car is to put on a seatbelt. If you don’t, you risk a fine,” Sergeant Prentice said. 

A further 52 tickets were handed out for crimes from driving while disqualified to road offences. 

While it was disappointing people continue to do the wrong thing on the road, Sergeant Prentice said it was positive the weekend was fatality free. 

Attention will now to ‘Operation Safe Arrival’, which takes place over the Christmas break.