By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
POLICE are getting geared up for an operation targeting drink-drivers in Casey, Cardinia and Dandenong as the AFL Grand Final approaches.
While Operation Scoreboard will be officially launched state-wide from 1 to 4 October – Grand Final weekend – local cops in the south-east will be out in force earlier, signalling their intent of “saturating the roads” and getting even tougher on drink and drug driving, and speeding.
Acting Senior Sergeant Pat Green, from the Casey Cardinia Highway Patrol, said a lack of public transport in Casey, Cardinia and Dandenong meant a rise in the likelihood of drink-driving.
“We got an intelligence brief and our analysts looked at previous Grand Final weekends, and now because it’s a public holiday people are likely to be drinking more,” Act Sen Sgt Green said.
“And in places like Cardinia, and Casey, which are further removed from town and where public transport isn’t great, people rely on cars.”
Act Sen Sgt Green said the Casey Highway Patrol was getting on the “front foot”, targeting the three neighbouring south-eastern municipalities.
“Because Casey has been identified as a high-risk Local Government Area for road trauma we’ll be getting the lion’s share of assistance outside our division,” he said.
“We will target drivers causing road trauma, drink, drug, speeding, mobile phones, not wearing seatbelts … there’s a huge emphasis on this area and the coverage will be 24/7.”
Automatic numberplate recognition will be used as part of Operation Scoreboard, in addition to the booze and drug buses and mobile speed cameras.
Both marked and unmarked cars will also be used, with packaged liquor outlets to be regularly monitored.
“There are plenty of ways to enjoy the AFL and NRL Grand Finals and while many will involve the consumption of alcohol, we ask you put road safety at the front of your minds,” Act Sen Sgt Green said.
“Stay within the speed limit, don’t drink or take drugs and drive, leave your mobile phone out of reach, use your seatbelt, and make sure you are well rested.”
