By Jessica Micallef
More than 20 drivers a day, on average, were caught breaking the law on Hume roads during the Australia Day long weekend.
Police were out in full force on Victorian roads as part of the statewide Operation Amity from January 25 to January 28.
Police intercepted 68 drivers on Hume roads, including five speeding drivers and 23 drivers disobeying traffic signals. Police nabbed 18 drivers driving unregistered vehicles, while three drivers were caught drink driving.
On Macedon Ranges roads, 53 drivers were intercepted by police during the three-day weekend.
Police caught 38 speeding drivers, two drivers using their mobile phones, while two disqualified drivers were behind the wheel.
Assistant Commissioner Stephen Leane said it was disappointing to see road users putting themselves and others at risk.
“We all know that speed and impairment are among the biggest killers on our road, so it’s astounding to see so many motorists exceeding the speed limit or driving after drinking or using drugs,” Assistant Commissioner Leane said.
“Last year saw a record low number of lives lost in Victoria, with 214, but the tragic start to 2019 shows that we can’t afford to be complacent.”
Commissioner Leane said five people died on Victorian roads during the Australia Day weekend and 22 lives have been lost on Victoria’s road so far this year, compared to 16 at the same time last year.
Assistant Commissioner Leane said people needed to remain vigilant on the roads, no matter what time of the year it was.
“We all have a part to play in reducing road trauma, whether that’s avoiding behaviours that increase risk, such as speeding or impairment, or speaking up when someone is putting themselves or others in danger,” he said.
