More than 100 offences were detected in Geelong as police targeted risky behaviour on the state’s roads during the AFL grand final long weekend.
Victoria Police carried out Operation Scoreboard, a statewide road policing operation, from September 25 to September 28, with increased roadside alcohol and drug testing conducted over the four days.
Greater Geelong Highway Patrol Senior Sergeant Steve Bull said police detected 149 offences in Geelong during the long weekend, which included 12 impaired drivers.
“That’s an average of three people every single day choosing to get behind the wheel under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” he said.
“Despite repeated warnings, these results show far too many motorists are still prepared to gamble with their lives and the lives of others.
“Speed remains one of the most common factors in serious and fatal collisions, and it is extremely concerning to see so many people continuing to take these risks.
“History shows impaired driving is a significant issue over the AFL grand final weekend, and the results from this operation reinforce exactly why police place such a strong focus on this period.”
Geelong police detected 99 speeding drivers, 15 unregistered vehicles, nine drug drivers, eight disqualified drivers, eight unlicensed drivers, four disobeyed signs or signals, three drink drivers and two mobile phone offences during the operation.
Five impoundments were also made, and one cyclist offence was detected by police during the long weekend, but no seatbelt offences were identified.
One speeding offence occurred at approximately 3am on September 28, where Geelong Highway Patrol detected a vehicle travelling at 104km/h in a 60km/h zone while officers were patrolling near a licensed premises.
The 18-year-old male driver held a Queensland Probationary licence and was issued with an infringement notice for exceeding the speed limit for $865 and a six-month licence suspension.
A total of 5088 offences were detected statewide during the police operation, with one in every 555 drivers caught over the legal alcohol limit.
Road Policing Assistant Commissioner Glenn Weir said it was a busy weekend for police and encouraged people to consider the consequences before deciding to drink and drive.
“Police will continue to prioritise road policing enforcement and doing all we can to prevent further trauma on our roads this year,” he said.
“Concerningly, despite our warnings to motorists, we have again seen incredibly high strike rates for those caught over the legal limit for alcohol and drugs.
“As the weather increases and we head towards the end of the year, our fleet of alcohol and drug testing vehicles will be out conducting testing anywhere, anytime, and at every opportunity.”
