STATEWIDE: Long weekend push by police
Police are preparing for a busy period on Victorian roads as a statewide road policing operation kicks off for the Australia Day long weekend.
Operation Amity, which commenced on Friday (Jan. 24), sees police highly visible across the state’s major roads and highways, in an effort to reduce road trauma.
With the imminent return of school, police are warning all road users to prepare for an influx of traffic as many Victorians hit the road for the last long weekend of the January holiday period.
Police will be targeting high risk areas, including coastal holiday hotspots and major roads leading to and from popular regional destinations.
With roads expected to be busy over the long weekend, police are urging motorists to slow down, be patient and avoid rushing by allowing plenty of extra travel time.
There will be zero tolerance for drink and drug driving, with police to conduct widespread alcohol and drug testing across the state.
Motorists are being warned to expect to be tested for alcohol or drugs anywhere, anytime.
During last year’s Operation Amity, police detected over 5,200 traffic offences, including 2,261 speeding offences.
Last year’s operation also saw police conduct close to 80,000 alcohol and drug tests, with 154 drink drivers and 121 drug drivers caught.
Operation Roadwise commenced at 0.01am on Friday (Jan. 24) and concludes at 11.59pm on Monday (Jan. 27).
Road Policing Assistant Commissioner, Glenn Weir said: “We’re conducting Operation Amity during a particularly busy period on Victorian roads – for many of us, this will mark the last weekend of the January holiday period before returning to school or work next week.
“We’re expecting it to be busy, and so we’re asking all motorists to slow down, take it easy, be courteous to others road users, and don’t rush to reach your destination.
“Police will be highly visible across the major roads and highways between Melbourne and regional parts of the state where we know lots of people will be commuting.
“We’ll also be setting up numerous alcohol and drug testing sites across the state, and while this might slow you down on your travels, we make no apologies for this.
“We want everyone to enjoy this long weekend, but let’s also ensure we all make it home safely at the end of it,” Asst. Commissioner Weir said.