More than 2100 alcohol and drug road tests were administered in Alice Springs over the past week as part of an extensive police traffic blitz during the Red Centre Nats weekend that resulted in dozens of traffic charges, 160 speeding fines issued and five vehicles seized for hooning offences, NT Police said.

Alice Springs road policing officers were joined by members from Darwin and Katherine for the traffic operation that ran from Wednesday 3 September to Tuesday 9 September and saw 13 random breath testing stations set up with 2183 alcohol and drug tests administered.

The majority of drivers tested negative, but eight returned alcohol readings and four tested positive for drugs, police said in a statement.

In total, 77 vehicles were stopped with 27 infringement notices issued, 13 notices to appear issued and two drivers arrested at the scene.

Five vehicles were seized for hooning offences during the Red Centre Nats street parade, police said, “despite several warnings to drivers”.

Police also issued 160 speeding tickets from speed camera operators after checking 5320 vehicles over the seven days.

“The Territory Road Policing Division will continue to collaborate between members from Alice Springs, Darwin and Katherine to ensure that our roads are safe. Road Policing members could be on the roads anywhere and at any time,” Acting Senior Sergeant Aaron Evans said.

“Whilst most drivers were well behaved, police were disappointed with a number of people jeopardising public safety. The Road Policing Division will continue to deploy these operations to prioritise road safety on a regular basis.”