By Casey Neill
Extra officers and new cars are bolstering the Yarra Ranges Highway Patrol to tackle the rising road toll.
Sergeant Neil Campbell joined Sergeant Dave McIlfatrick at the Lilydale-based unit a few weeks ago.
They share more than 25 years’ experience in highway patrol policing, and more new staff will be arriving shortly to strengthen the unit by 20 per cent overall.
Sgt Campbell has policed roads across Maroondah, Knox and most of the eastern suburbs and was most recently stationed at Mooroolbark.
“Some of the other crew members have been working here for 20 years,” he said.
The unit has also received two new BMWs, the latest arriving on Friday 12 July.
Sgt Campbell told the Mail the vehicles were fitted with the latest technology, from speed measuring devices to drug and alcohol testing equipment, and on-board video and computer.
“It all means we’ll be spending more time out on the road,” he said.
“We’ll be a lot more visible.
“Any person intercepted will be drug and alcohol tested.
“We’ll be using all the latest technology to combat the road toll.
“This area is one of the highest in the state with road fatalities, which is the reason why we’ve been bolstered.”
The Lilydale-based unit covers the entire Yarra Ranges, from Belgrave out to Healesville, Warburton and beyond.
“We’ll be ramping up to target more drink and drug drivers, speeding, fatigue driving, distracted driving…” Sgt Campbell said.
“All of those things are the reason why our figures are so high and our injury collisions are so high.”
The crew has heavy vehicles in its sights, not just cars.
“And as the weather gets warmer, we’ll be targeting motorcycles as well,” he said.
Sgt Campbell urged residents with traffic complaints, like hoon activity, to report the details to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
He said police would receive and act on intelligence reports, and this could potentially help to avoid future collisions.
