Victoria police detected 20 traffic offences in Maribyrnong and Hobsons over the King’s Birthday long weekend as part of Operation Regal.
The four-day road policing operation involved an increased police presence across the state from 12.01am on Friday, June 9 to 11.59pm on Monday, June 10, in an effort to drive down road trauma.
=In Maribyrnong, police detected one drink driving offence, one disqualified driver and one seatbelt offence.
In Hobsons Bay, there were three speeding offences, four drink driving offences, one drug driving offence, three disqualified drivers, one seatbelt offence, two offences of disobeying signs/signals, and three impoundments.
Across the state more than 6500 traffic offences were detected, increasing 15 per cent since the last year.
There were two lives lost over the weekend, including a 28-year-old Rye woman and a 77-year-old Reservoir woman.
The weekend’s fatalities bring the total number of lives lost on Victorian roads this year to 143, up 35 per cent on the same time last year (106).
Road policing acting assistant commissioner Martin O’Brien said the number of offences reflects the risky driving escalating on the roads.
“This year’s Operation Regal saw an increase in the number of offences detected – this is really disappointing as it indicates that many motorists are continuing to take risks on our roads,” he said.
“Police will continue to enforce against those who engage in risky driving behaviour, and we make no apologies for this.
“It only takes one poor decision and a split second to cause a tragedy.”
Police will remain highly visible on roads across the state as the Victorian school holiday period kicks off at the end of next week.
Jennifer Pittorino
