THE Far North's retiring traffic boss has taken a swipe at the region's shameful driving culture, saying too many motorists believe they are in Australia's "last frontier". 
 

In his last week on the job, Inspector Bob Waters (pictured) lamented the region's high traffic offence rate -- the worst in Queensland -- blaming repeat drink-drivers and lead-foots for the appalling record.

"In the past, this was the last frontier when it came to drink-driving and speeding, before RBT (random breath-testing) came in," he said.

"It was a way of life for some people but we seem to have these recidivist offenders who still do it.

"These people haven't gotten over the six-pack driver culture. It's still a major problem."

His spray comes as highway patrols kick into gear for the school holiday and festive season.

The 2011-12 Queensland Police Service statistical review shows the Far North has the highest rate of traffic offences in Queensland, with 1338 infringements for every 1000 people.

More than 2500 drink-driving offences were recorded. Of these, 603 blew more than triple the legal limit. About 22,000 people were caught speeding.

"With these types of motorists around, it's a disaster waiting to happen," Insp Waters said.

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