Driver rescued, fined for ignoring road closed sign

Police are reminding motorists to exercise caution and obey signs around flood waters, after a driver was issued with a fine.

At about 8pm on Friday, November 18, a 57-year-old woman was travelling on Culgoora Road, Wee Waa, when she drove around road closure signs which had been posted due to recent flooding in the area.

Her vehicle entered flood waters, and she became trapped, however, she was able to contact emergency services.

Officers attached to Oxley Police District and the NSW State Emergency Service rescued the driver from her vehicle before the car was removed from flood waters with the aid of specialist equipment.

No one was injured.

The driver was issued an infringement notice for disobey road access sign.

All roads into the town are expected to remain closed for several more days.

Police also remind people not to drive into flood waters, as they are not only putting their own lives at risk but those of emergency services responding to those incidents.

Regional emergency operations controller, Superintendent Danny Sullivan, said it’s a timely reminder to people not to take risks and drive through flood waters.

“Those who drive into flood waters put their own lives at risk, as well as the lives of the emergency services who respond to assist them,” Supt Sullivan said.

“The current emergency situation is dangerous enough for everyone, we don’t need the added danger of entering flood waters to rescue people who have decided to take a risk.

“The road closure signs are put in place for a reason, to protect the community; anyone intent on ignoring the signs and driving into flood waters can expect to be fined.”

Police are also urging all those in flood-affected or flood-prone areas to avoid all non-essential travel, with several roads closed and impacted by flood waters, landslips and fallen trees.

Man arrested for purchases made with stolen card

A 23-year-old man was arrested for an extensive list of purchases he made after allegedly stealing a bank card.

Between November 12 and November 14, police allege the man broke into a vehicle on Violet Street and stole a wallet containing cash and cards in addition to documents and personal items.

A stolen card was first used at a Cooma Road business on November 14. Purchases at local business continued throughout the day.

The trail of purchases meant police were able to identify the man using CCTV footage.

The man was arrested last Wednesday and bail was refused to appear in Tamworth Local Court on Thursday.

P-plate driver issued with court notice

A 19-year-old P2 driver was issued with a court attendance notice after returning a positive roadside breath test.

The Narrabri man was stopped on Maitland Street at 11.50pm on November 11.

He returned a positive reading of .013. P-plate drivers have a zero blood alcohol limit.