By Marcus Uhe
80 drivers were caught speeding and 17 unregistered vehicles were detected across the City of Casey as part of Victoria Police’s Operation ARID over the Labour Day long weekend.
The Casey figures contributed to the more than 7000 total offences recorded across the state during the major road safety blitz.
Operation ARID saw police ramp up enforcement following a tragic start to the year on Victoria’s roads, with rural roads and holiday hotspots a particular focus.
While he was pleased that the majority of road users complied over the weekend, Assistant Commissioner for road policing Glenn Weir said that it is “completely unacceptable” that so many motorists continue to take risks on the road.
“Our increased focus on road safety across March has only begun and the community should be assured they’ll continue to see police out enforcing during this high-risk period,” Mr Weir said.
“We plead with all road users to make good choices. One bad decision is all it takes to cause a tragedy.”
Forty per cent of offences detected during the operation related to speed, while there were also 515 motorists detected for alcohol and drug offences from 95,174 tests.
Automatic numberplate recognition technology helped police detect 1122 unauthorised drivers who were either unlicensed, disqualified/suspended or driving an unregistered vehicle.
The total 7193 offences detected during Operation ARID also included 299 disobey signs/signals infringements, 239 mobile phone offences and 150 seatbelt offences, while 119 vehicles were impounded.
In Casey, 11 disqualified drivers were detected, 10 motorists were caught drink-driving, and three were caught using their mobile phone while behind the wheel.
Among the offenders was a 44-year-old travelling on the wrong side of Pound Road in Hampton Park on Sunday night, 13 March in heavy rain.
The driver, who “appeared highly drug affected” according to police, nearly collided with a vehicle from the Endeavour Hills Police Station and enquiries revealed the vehicle had been impounded just two months prior.
Their car was seized for a second time and he will be summonsed to attend court at a later date
Five people have been killed on Victoria’s roads this month, bringing the total number of lives lost this year to 55, more than seven at the same time last year (48).
Operation ARID ran from 12:01am on Friday 11 March and concluded at 23:59pm on Monday 14 March.
Victoria Police will continue its increased road safety focus across March, which is the highest-risk month for road trauma.
