You would think Armidale's Highway Patrol combined experience of two centuries on the job would be more than enough to satisfy the patrol's supervisor, Sergeant Dave Bramble. However, the addition of three more members to his team, who will probably take the experience level up to somewhere near 220 years, is very much to his liking.
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"There are eight staff at Armidale Highway Patrol, myself and seven Constables and we have four cars and a motorbike," Sgt Bramble said.
"In December this year our combined police experience will hit 200 years. In 2019 we will be getting three extra staff and two more cars, which will enable us to cover more shifts on more days and greater areas."
We can be there any time of the day.
- Sgt Dave Bramble. Armidale Highway Patrol
With the Armidale Police Station operating on a 24/7 basis, the Highway Patrol can work, not only at peak accident times, but is also able to vary its times for operational reasons.
"The new officers will increase our capabilities. We'll be able to patrol more roads for longer hours, and we can put on overlapping shifts at any time of the day," Sgt Bramble said.
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"It will give us a lot more flexibility with our rosters and target the areas that we want to. At the moment we're a bit limited with our resources."
One new female staff member will commence duty on December 23, during the patrol's Christmas operation, and the other two are expected towards the end of the school holidays.
Operation Safe Arrival will commence on December 19 and run through to January 2, and Sgt Bramble said it will target the usual offences, such as speed, seatbelts, fatigue.
Fatigue is a really big issue.
- Sgt Dave Bramble Armidale Highway Patrol
"If you are going to go somewhere, make sure you plan your trip in advance, give yourself plenty of time and make sure you take breaks," he said
"It is traditionally a "no-leave" period for Highway Patrol police. So, all available police will be on the road.
"Every police vehicle in the state is available to do random breath testing and drug testing and we will be targeting those offences during the Christmas period."
Have a plan B ... Just don't take the risk.
- Sgt Dave Bramble Armidale Highway Patrol
Sgt Bramble said they had not seen an increase in the numbers of drink drivers yet, but the next few weeks would tell.
"We do traditionally start to get a lot more drink drivers as people go to their Christmas parties," he said.
"A lot of them are not out to drink drive. A lot of them just make an honest mistake, they have that one or two too many glasses of wine.
"So, basically, we're just saying, if you drink at all, have a plan B to get yourself home. A Taxi is an excellent plan B,"
