Ash Bolt
Despite spending much of this year in lockdown, Victoria has already surpassed the number of lives lost on Victorian roads in 2020.
And with a busy festive period anticipated on the roads, Victoria Police has launched Operation Roadwise, a statewide road policing effort targeting high-risk driving behaviour over the Christmas period.
Police will be out patrolling major arterials and highways to detect dangerous drivers and reduce road trauma.
There will be a focus on impaired driving, with motorists enjoying end-of-year celebrations are urged to think twice before consuming alcohol or drugs and getting behind the wheel.
Operation Roadwise will also see police targeting speeding drivers. Last year more than 6200 speeding offences were detected over the Christmas and New Year’s period.
There were 10 lives lost between 18 December 2020 and 6 January this year.
Operation Roadwise will involve all available personnel across Victoria Police including regional Highway Patrols, State Highway Patrol, the Heavy Vehicle Unit, Road Policing Drug and Alcohol Section and Public Order Response Team.
The operation started on Friday and will run until Monday.
Police enforcement will continue throughout the New Year period, with a localised focus particularly in coastal locations and holiday hot spots.
“For most of us, this is an exciting time of year with holidays fast approaching and festive cheer in full swing,” Road Policing Command assistant commissioner Glenn Weir said.
“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. It’s up to all of us to ensure we reach our destination safely.
“While we’re asking everyone to slow down, not drink or take drugs and drive, and avoid distractions like mobile phones – rest assured police will also be doing our bit and ramping up enforcement on Victorian roads.”
