COPS had no hesitation in dishing out a ticket when they pulled over a
caravanner in Queensland.
They were conducting roadside breath-tests on the Bruce Highway near
Halifax when the grey nomad, named only as Warwick, was breathalysed.
The avid and experienced traveller passed with flying colours, but was
delighted to still receive a ticket.
It was part of a nine-month Department of Transport and Main Roads-funded
'Golden Ticket' initiative in which drivers were rewarded for good driving
behaviours.
The officers handed Warwick one of the special tickets after being
impressed by his fifth-wheeler's rear camera and screen system.
And he was over the moon when his ticket came up trumps, winning him a
large flat-screen television and sound system.
Warwick has been caravanning with the rig, which was built to his and his
wife's specifications, for five years.
"Being from an aviation background, safety is paramount and automatic in
all our thinking," he said
"We have a rear vision camera and screen system in lieu of internal
mirror, large side mirrors and a CB radio to assist with situational
awareness."
Warwick said he calculated the weight, centre of gravity of the trailer
and tow vehicle so his rig travelled true.
It also undergoes regular maintenance.
"All this is expensive, but hopefully we'll be as safe as we can achieve,"
Warwick added.