Dozens of motorists have been hit with a collective 350 fines following two recent road policing operations in the City of Casey.
A specific incident saw a 36-year-old man from Hampton Park being involved in a crash on Hallam South Road in Hampton Park, where he allegedly returned a positive breath test with a reading of 0.275.
The man’s license was immediately suspended and was summoned to appear in Dandenong Magistrate’s Court at a later date for drink driving, careless driving and failing to give way.
Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia highway patrol senior sergeant David Hewatt said that “it’s extremely disappointing to see so many people continue to flout the law and put themselves and other road users in serious danger”.
One of these initiatives, called Operation Malleus was conducted from 27 May to 31 May, while Operation Sizzle took place on 4 June.
In total for both operations, almost 1200 preliminary breath tests and 328 preliminary oral fluid tests were conducted, where 343 offences were detected which included drink driving, drug driving and speeding.
The 350 fines included one driver who was allegedly five-and-half times over the legal alcohol limit after crashing his car.
“Making the selfish decision to get behind the wheel under the influence of drugs or alcohol can end or drastically change lives in a matter of seconds,” Mr Hewatt said.
Other incidents of note include eight drivers who were detected with illicit substances in their systems, the results of which will undergo further forensic analysis.
There were also 106 motorists who were caught travelling in excess of the speed limit, and 11 suspended, disqualified or unlicensed who were caught behind the wheel.
Two learner drivers had also been involved in collisions with an accompanying full license holder in the passenger seat.
With similar operations expected to run in the future, Mr Hewatt said that they will continue with this initiative and “remove dangerous drivers from our roads”.
