By Jessica Micallef
About 13 drivers a day were caught flouting the law on Macedon Ranges roads during the Christmas and new year period.
Police were out in full force on Victoria roads during a 20-day crackdown between Friday, December 18 and Wednesday, January 6.
Police intercepted 254 drivers on Macedon Ranges roads, including 196 speeding drivers.
Macedon Ranges Highway Patrol Senior Constable Ricki Turton said the “high” number of offenders were a concern.
“To have 196 speeding offences, it’s too high especially around the Christmas and new year period,” she said.
“Whether they are tourists or visitors to the area or locals, it is a concern for the area.
“Our advice would be to slow down, drive to the conditions and at the end of the day, we want everybody to get home safe and get to where they are going.
“We will be out there and our presence is high.”
Police also nabbed 21 unregistered vehicles on the road, seven unlicensed drivers, seven drink drivers and four drug drivers.
Across the state, more than 14,200 traffic offences were recorded during the three-week police campaign.
Road Policing Command Assistant Commissioner Libby Murphy said it was disappointing many drivers were still disobeying the law.
“it is not worth being caught, or worse, seriously injuring or killing yourself, your mates or an innocent road user,” she said.
“We want 2021 to be a better year for all Victorians. This means slowing down, avoiding distractions such as mobile phones while driving, buckling up and stopping for appropriate rest breaks when travelling long distances.
“Putting on a seatbelt gives you the best chance of survival if involved in a serious collision.
“Whether you are travelling a short distance down the road or on a long journey, always wear a seatbelt. There is no excuse.”
