Easter weekend traffic offences spike

Victoria police detected almost 8000 traffic offences across the state as part of Operation Nexus.

Victoria Police detected 49 traffic offences across Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay over the Easter long weekend as part of Operation Nexus.

The five-day road policing operation saw an increased police presence across the state from 12.01 am on April 6 to 11.59 pm on April 10, in an effort to reduce road trauma.

In Maribyrnong, police detected two speeding offences, seven unregistered vehicles, two disqualified driving offences, two mobile phone offences, two disqualified drivers, three unlicensed drivers and carried out one impoundment.

In Sunbury, there were six speeding offences, five unregistered vehicles, one drink driving offence, two disqualified drivers, four offences of disobeying signs/signals and two impoundments.

Across the state, about 8000 traffic offences were detected with two fatalities following separate single-vehicle collisions.

Road Policing Assistant Commissioner Glenn Weir said the amount of detections showed a blatant disregard for road rules.

“It is extremely disappointing that we’ve detected almost 8000 motorists in a five-day period for a range of traffic offences,” he said.

“This just shows a blatant disregard for road rules and for the safety of all road users.

“Considering the start to the year we’ve had, we would hope that more people would heed the warnings and make a conscious effort to drive safely.”

More than a third of the 8000 offences detected were for speeding, and mobile phone offences jumped 31 per cent from last year’s Easter policing operation, with 343 mobile phone offences detected.

Assistant Commissioner Weir said risky behaviours such as speed, impaired driving and mobile phone distraction contribute to road trauma.

“Time and time again, it is those behaviours… that are contributing to road trauma, yet we continue to detect thousands of motorists for these offences,” he said.

“Everyone thinks road trauma won’t happen to them, until it’s too late. Don’t let your complacency be the reason for another death or serious injury on our roads.”

Police said they would continue to be active across the state throughout the school holiday period and the unofficial Anzac Day long weekend.