By JESSE GRAHAM
POLICE have slammed driver behaviour over the Labour Day long weekend, and warned motorists to pick up their game before the Easter weekend.
From Friday 11 to Monday 14 March, police officers around the state participated in Operation Arid, aimed at detecting unsafe drivers over the long weekend.
In the Yarra Ranges Police Service Area (PSA), two drivers were caught drink driving, while four were caught under the influence of drugs and 62 were caught speeding.
Three drivers were caught driving while disqualified, while nine were caught driving with no licence at all and 33 unregistered vehicles were detected by police.
Superintendent Deb Robertson said the state-wide results, which saw more than 2600 speeding offences and 58 vehicles impounded, were “frustrating”.
“Time and time again, we’re seeing people ignore the law and put their lives and the lives of those around them at risk,” she said.
“It is so frustrating to witness such blatant disregard for life.”
In neighbouring Cardinia, seven drivers were caught over the legal blood alcohol limit, one driver was caught under the influence of drugs and 67 were caught speeding.
Four unlicensed drivers were caught, while six unregistered vehicles were detected and three drivers were caught using their phones.
Supt Robertson said she hoped the message of road safety would get through to people for the Easter long weekend, which will run from 25-28 March.
“We’ve called for people to come together and play their role in keeping all lives on the road safe and while a lot of people have responded, there is a dangerous minority who continue to defy this,” she said.
“With the Easter long weekend approaching, we hope our message reaches the people it truly needs to.”
