Cops flat out as rock fans hit the road

Police are disappointed the road safety messages are not getting through to some motorists following the weekend’s operation Thunder Road.

Motorists were urged by police to take care on the roads as thousands of Bruce Springsteen fans flocked to Hanging Rock last Saturday for the long-anticipated concert.

Booze and drug buses were stationed around the venue and backed up by roaming highway patrols from Macedon Ranges, Bendigo, Central Goldfields, Melton, Brimbank and Fawkner.

Eight drivers were booked for being over the blood-alcohol limit and one driver also tested positive for drugs.

Other traffic offences involved three unregistered motor vehicles, one driver driving while disqualified, and 14 drivers who were fined for speeding.

Macedon Ranges highway patrol officer Senior Constable Jamie Jordan said it was disappointing that people chose to drink-drive or drug-drive when public transport was available from Hanging Rock.

“After more than 40 years of drink- driving legislation it’s disappointing to see the message still hasn’t got through to some drivers,” Senior Constable Jordan said.

“We acknowledge the operation caused some traffic delays, but the results of this operation show that we needed to be out there to make sure road users get home safely.”