A RANDOM roadblock at Bordertown last weekend resulted in 103 motorists fined a total $38,625, leading to a reminder for visitors to SA to remove all fruit from vehicles before crossing the border.
Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister Tim Whetstone said an alarming number of drivers were putting the state's world-class horticultural industry at risk by ignoring repeated warnings not to bring fruit across the Vic border into SA.
“Almost one in seven vehicles stopped at a random roadblock in Bordertown last weekend were found with fruit and prohibited material,” he said.
“In total, 124 kilograms of prohibited fruit was seized and securely disposed of by Biosecurity SA staff during last weekend’s roadblock."
Between Thursday, February 28 and Saturday, March 2, there were 753 vehicles inspected with 124 kilograms of fruit seized from 103 vehicles.
“The government is rolling out our zero tolerance approach on the border and all 103 motorists detected with illegal fruit at Bordertown will be hit with $375 fines," Mr Whetstone said.
“We welcome visitors to SA to enjoy our wonderful food, wine and tourism experiences but they must be reminded to leave fruit at home and not put the state’s Pest Free Area status at risk.
“The message needs to get out not to bring prohibited fruit into SA and biosecurity staff will be out and about looking to catch people who do the wrong thing.”
