Licensed venues on the Surf Coast will face increased police presence in a bid to reduce road trauma associated with impaired driving.
Highway Patrol officers will have a highly visible presence on roads close to licenced venues in the region, including Jan Juc and Torquay, conducting roadside alcohol and drug tests.
Uniform officers will also maintain a presence in and around pubs and clubs to ensure liquor licencing compliance.
The operation will take place every Friday and Saturday night, continuing throughout the busy summer holiday period.
“Police want everyone to enjoy the beautiful Surf Coast this year, but we are urging people to celebrate the summer period in a safe and responsible manner,” Surf Coast Local Area Commander Monique Leffanue.
“If you choose to drink too much and drive, you will be caught. We will not hesitate to remove drink drivers from the road – even those only the slightest bit over.
“First time offenders who go even a little bit over the legal drinking limit face significant penalties, including fines, loss of license and disqualification – but the worst penalty of all is the potential catastrophic loss of life on our roads.”
During October, police have intercepted a number of impaired drivers across the region, including a number of young drivers.
Last Friday night alone, Surf Coast police said they intercepted four drivers allegedly over the legal drinking limit, and two drivers allegedly under the influence of illicit drugs, in the space of a couple of hours in the Surf Coast region.
