STATEWIDE: Blitz on drink, drug driving
Police are alarmed at the number of drivers caught drink and drug driving during the first week of a major road policing operation.
Despite numerous warnings for motorists to expect widespread alcohol and drug testing over Easter, a concerning number of impaired drivers have been caught since Operation Compass commenced on April 17.
A total 466 alcohol and drug driving offences were detected.
This comprises 248 drink driving offences from 150,116 preliminary breath tests, and a further 218 drug driving offences detected from 5,308 roadside drug tests.
Alcohol and drug testing will continue to be a major focus for police as Operation Compass continues, with motorists reminded to expect to be tested anywhere, anytime.
Police are also concerned at the number of motorists who have been detected behind the wheel that shouldn’t be driving at all, including those who are disqualified, unlicensed and suspended.
With 530 unauthorised drivers detected on Victorian roads since the operation commenced, police will continue to use automatic numberplate recognition technology to scan numberplates, detect unlawful drivers and remove them from the roads.
The total 7689 traffic offences detected during the first seven days of Operation Compass (April 127-23) included:
- 3231 speeding offences
- 530 unlicensed/disqualified/suspended drivers
- 466 disobey signs/signals
- 375 mobile phone offences
- 248 drink driving offences from 150,116 preliminary breath tests – a strike rate of one in 605 drivers tested
- 218 drug driving offences from 5,308 roadside drug tests – a strike rate of one in 24 drivers tested
- 149 vehicle impounds
- 131 seat belt offences; and
- 757 unregistered vehicles
Road Policing Assistant Commissioner, Glenn Weir said: “Our message is clear – there is absolutely no excuse for drink or drug driving.
“Take the risk, and you will be caught.”