Man Fined for Lying Next to Fridge in Back of Car During Queensland Police Operation

A 46-year-old man has been fined after being spotted lying next to a fridge sticking out of the back of a car by police in Queensland.

Police pulled over the vehicle in Joyner, north of Brisbane, with its rear door partially open, a fridge protruding from the back, and the man positioned beside it.

Fines Issued

The man was fined $322 for travelling in a part of the vehicle not designed for passengers and $1,295 along with four demerit points for failing to wear a seatbelt.

The 40-year-old driver of the vehicle, from Joyner, was fined $690 and received three demerit points for running a red arrow.

“She was also educated on the importance of and how to safely secure your loads,” police said in a statement.

Police Crackdown on Road Safety

Police were “on alert to ensure vehicle loads are secure” and noted that “precarious cargo has the potential to be catastrophic for the carrier, passengers and other road users.”

In the South Brisbane District, police conducted 3,680 random breath tests over two days, detecting 23 drink drivers.

Officers issued 97 fines, made 53 arrests, and laid 68 charges during the operation.

New Laws for Drink and Drug Driving

The increased enforcement comes after the state government passed laws for harsher penalties for drink and drug driving.

From December, offenders driving with a relevant drug in their saliva will face a fine of up to $4,835 and lose their licence for at least two months.

Inspector Mat Kelly said police were conducting high-visibility patrols on Moreton Island, where school holidays are underway.

“Police acknowledge that the island is a holiday haven for everyone to enjoy, but it is important for visitors to remember of the dangers associated with drink-driving and that road rules also apply on the beach,” he said.

Police were conducting random breath tests and verifying that vehicle access permits were valid as drivers disembarked from the ferry.