A LEARNER driver who was allegedly behind the wheel without a supervisor has been charged, accused of also leading police on a pursuit in Tamworth.
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Police will also allege the 24-year-old was on a cancelled licence when he was spotted on New Year's Day, shortly after 2 o'clock.
Officers were conducting random breath testing on Bridge Street when they claim they spotted a Nissan Navara ute stop, and carry out a u-turn over double white lines.
He's then alleged to have turned onto another street, turned off his headlights and did not stop.
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Police started a pursuit, and the driver was stopped in Nemingha a short time later.
The 24-year-old was arrested and later charged with failing to comply with a signal to stop; police pursuit; learner driver not display "L" plates; and learner not accompanied by driver.
He was granted conditional bail and is due to appear in Tamworth Local Court later this month.
The charges come at the end of Operation Safe Arrival - the force's double demerit blitz to police the festive season.
In the early hours of New Year's Day, a 22-year-old Tamworth man was charged with several offences including drink driving.
He's accused of driving on the wrong side of Bridge Street, hitting a parked car and traffic light pole, as well as running a red light on Kable Avenue.
He was granted bail to front court in mid-January.
Traffic top cop, Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy, said more than 500,000 breath tests had been conducted during the 2019/2020 operation in NSW.
"Drivers have been made aware that if you plan on getting behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, it's highly likely you'll encounter one of our officers," he said.
"During the final day of Operation Safe Arrival, we saw too many drivers placing themselves and others at risk with their selfish and dangerous driving behaviours.
"However, overall, we've had a reduction in PCA charges and speeding infringement notices from last year's operation, so we remain hopeful that the message is sinking in with the community."
