Drivers fail to heed warnings

(Picture: Rebecca Hosking) 194314_11

Oliver Lees

More than 400 offences were detected on Victorian roads during the Queen’s Birthday long weekend as part of a statewide police operation targeting high-risk driving behaviour.

Known as Operation Regal, the annual operation included increased police presence to crack down on speeding, drug and alcohol use, fatigue and driver distraction.

In the Hume council area, there were a total of 15 offences detected during the weekend.

Victoria Police assistant commissioner road policing Libby Murphy said it was important that drivers don’t become complacent behind the wheel.

“Sadly, we have seen one life lost over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend – a 56-year-old male passenger who died as a result of a fatal collision with a vehicle,” Ms Murphy said.

“While this is the lowest number of fatalities seen over a Queen’s Birthday weekend since 2017, one life lost on our roads is still too many.

“As restrictions continue to ease across Victoria, we will see more motorists returning to our roads… please slow down, consider other road users and don’t take unnecessary and irresponsible risks.”

Operation Regal was conducted from 12.01am Friday, June 11 to 11.59pm Monday, June 14.