Michaela O'Neill / Sunshine Coast Daily

POLICE officers standing along Alexandra Headland's famous hill is not a new sight.

But motorists pulled over along the infamous stretch of Sunshine Coast road yesterday were surprised at the size of the police operation which greeted them.

The 10 or so officers were not only issuing breath tests to both lanes of traffic.

They were also checking licences, registration details, examining vehicles for defects or illegal modification and keeping an eye on the speed of drivers.

It didn't matter if you were old or young, male or female, driving a sports car or a sedan - if you drove over the hill between 3pm and 5pm you were pulled over.

Holidaymakers lined their balconies to watch, while others wanting a closer look ventured out to the barbecue areas and picnic tables, with one group playing a game of "spot the defect" as vehicle after vehicle was directed to the side of the road.

Official figures will not be tallied until today however while the Daily was observing many of the cars which were pulled over left with the driver clutching a ticket.

One driver attempted to argue that his vehicle was safe despite missing a front bumper bar and indicators.

Another took issue with being pulled over despite sporting oversized tyres and a cracked front windscreen.

Along one side of his vehicle were long scratches and dents, the result of misjudging a corner and rolling.

Some drivers looked used to explaining their vehicle's modifications to officers.

They had a laugh with police and patiently pointed out the various changes while officers explained why they were checking.

Those drivers were polite.

But those with something to prove to their friends in the back seat were not so understanding and questioned the officer's presence - but only when their backs were turned. Each driver was given a breath test and for some, the look of relief was obvious.

However one young lady had only a slight panic in her eyes as she followed the officer's instructions and looked resigned as she handed over her keys after registering higher than the legal limit.

"Are they catching people?" one jogger asked.

When the answer was in the affirmative she looked incredulous. "Who drinks and drives these days?"