Riders should be aware of double demerit points over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend as well as police “motorcycle safety campaigns” in Victoria and the Gold Coast hinterland.
While the Queen’s Birthday weekend has been moved to October in Queensland, riders in the hinterland should also be aware of Operation North Upright which began in the area in December 2015.
On Sunday, Gold Coast police will set up their operation at the Country Paradise Springs, 231 Nerang Beaudesert Road, Nerang, from 7am to 2pm.
This will be the third time police have conducted this “road safety” engagement with riders, although they have been particularly active in this area for several months.
It is similar to the Victorian police campaign “Operation Modus” in which riders are indiscriminately stopped and rigorously checked by police.
VicPol says they are warning riders, engaging with them, educating them and having “a conversation’’.
VicPol is also conducting a blitz on all motorists in the Otways region called Operation Regal this weekend.
In NSW, extra police are on duty during the annual Operation Stay Alert for the long weekend.
Operation North Upright also involves Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES), Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) and the Department of Transport and Main Roads, so vehicle inspections are also expected to be involved.
A police statement citingInspector Bruce Duck from Operations, South Eastern Police Region, says Operation North Upright is a “multifaceted road safety operation incorporating community engagement, education as well as enforcement”.
“I invite motorcyclists enjoying the hinterland area on June 12, to stop for a chat about road safety with experienced motorcycle officers from the Road Policing Command and other emergency services,” he says.
“This facet of the operation endeavours to inform riders about safe riding techniques through displays, demonstrations, and discussions.”