Police out in force on roads this Christmas

Queensland Police Service has launched its annual Christmas and New Year road safety blitz, Operation X-Ray Mistletoe, urging motorists to make safe choices as the state heads into the holiday season.

With 289 lives already lost on Queensland roads in 2025, Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski says police will be out in force – anywhere, anytime.

The operation began on December 13 and will run across the entire holiday period, with a targeted crackdown on speeding and impaired driving, including drink and drug driving on roads and waterways.

A powerful visual reminder stood at the launch – a Christmas tree decorated with baubles, each representing a life lost on a Queensland road this year.

Commissioner Gollschewski says 289 families are facing Christmas without someone they love.

“These are just not numbers – these represent a parent, child, partner or mate,” Commissioner Gollschewski says.

“Their absence is permanent and has profound impacts on their loved ones’ lives.”

Commissioner Gollschewski is urging Queenslanders to take responsibility for the choices they make every time they get behind the wheel or take to the water.

“Every decision you make behind the wheel matters,” he says.

“Whether you’re heading to a Christmas party, driving to a holiday destination or out on the water, expect to see police. If you choose to speed, drink or drug drive, or take risks, you will be caught.

“Safe driving starts with you.”

Operation X-Ray Mistletoe’s goal is simple – to stop more families and loved ones from receiving a knock on the door during the Christmas period.

“We want every Queenslander to arrive home safely,” Commissioner Gollschewski says.

“We don’t want to add another bauble to the tree this year.”

Police will conduct thousands of roadside and on-water tests throughout the operation, supported by specialist officers, mobile patrols and targeted enforcement activities in high-risk locations.

Road Policing and Regional Support Commands’ Acting Assistant Commissioner Adam Guild says police want everyone to make it home safely – not just this holiday period but every day.

“We know that most Queenslanders do the right thing, and I thank those road users who make responsible choices,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Guild says.

“But for those putting themselves, and other road users, at risk – police will be ready to respond the moment you make that choice.”