WYNDHAM: Mercedes impounded, clocked at 131-kmh
Nearly one-third of drink drivers apprehended by Police during a major operation on CityLink allegedly blew more than double the limit.
The operation was led by Fawkner Highway Patrol and saw police conducting high-volume alcohol and drug testing on CityLink, targeting impaired drivers.
Police conducted 3007 preliminary breath tests, with 32 caught exceeding the alcohol limit.
Ten of those were found to have a reading more than .10, with one reaching an alleged reading of .158 which is more than three times the limit.
Officers also detected three alleged drug drivers from the 86 drivers tested.
Victoria Police is warning motorists there is a zero tolerance to drink and drug driving, with significant penalties for those blatantly disregarding the rules.
The operation was conducted by the Fawkner Highway Patrol, with support from Road Policing Drug and Alcohol Section and Melbourne and Greensborough highway patrols.
It forms part of the efforts by police across the state, who were out in force to drive down road trauma.
As part of Operation Regal, State Highway Patrol members impounded a vehicle after the driver was allegedly found to be speeding and driving while drunk.
The Mercedes sedan drew the attention of patrolling members when they detected the 31-year-old travelling at 131-km h in a 100-kmh zone on the Princes Freeway about 9.20am.
The Point Cook man – who had a zero-alcohol condition on his licence – underwent a breath test, returning an alleged reading of .122.
His vehicle was impounded for 30 days at a cost of $1305 and his licence was immediately suspended.
The man can expect to be charged on summons with numerous driving offences.
Police caught 136 drink drivers and 85 drug drivers across the state as part of Operation Regal.
Also detected were 117 disqualified/suspended drivers, 113 unlicensed drivers, 264 unregistered vehicles, 1252 speeding offences and 113 mobile phone offences.
Fawkner Highway Patrol, Senior Sergeant Frank Cuce said: “The number of impaired drivers we detected is incredibly disappointing.
“Not only are these drivers breaking the law, they’re also making a choice that puts everyone else on the road around them in danger.
“Detecting and removing impaired drivers from our roads is a significant priority for police and we make no apologies for running these operations.