Victoria Police is preparing for a flurry of traffic on regional roads over the next three weekends, as Melbournians get some respite from the city and enjoy all of what regional Victoria has to offer.
With this increase in traffic Victoria Police is planning for the worst but hoping for the best, launching an additional state-wide operation to try and influence bad driver behaviour.
Operation Compass comes at a critical time for Victorians, with thousands of drivers, cyclists, motorcyclists, new P-Platers, caravanners and truck drivers anticipated to share the road as they head off on a well-deserved break.
Police will be using an intelligence-based approach to target locations and major arterials law-breaking drivers are expected to be. This includes behaviour such as speeding, drink and drug driving, people not wearing seatbelts, mobile phone use and fatigue.
With restaurants, pubs and wineries open for service, the community can be reassured police will be out conducting both PBTs and drug tests to get dangerous drivers off our roads.
There will be an increased police presence at popular holiday destinations, with a particular emphasis on areas such as Ballarat, Geelong, the Bellarine and Mornington Peninsulas, the Great Ocean Road, Phillip Island, The Grampians, Yarra Valley, Daylesford, Hepburn Springs and Macedon.
Drivers heading to popular coastal locations are urged to pay extra attention for pedestrians and cyclists around busy parks and beaches, and drive accordingly.
Over the past four weeks, 21 people have lost their life on Victorian roads (current to 11.59pm 11 November 2020).
As a part of Operation Compass enhanced police enforcement will take place from:
• 12.01am on Thursday 12 November to 11.59pm on Sunday 15 November
• 12.01am on Thursday 19 November to 11.59pm on Sunday 22 November
• 12.01am on Thursday 26 November to 11.59pm on Sunday 29 November
-ENDS-
As noted by Road Policing Command Acting Assistant Commissioner John Fitzpatrick
This is the first real opportunity that Melbournians have had in some time to get out and enjoy what Victoria has to offer. While it is fantastic to see people engaging in these recreational activities, we need people to go back to basics and arrive to their destination safely. This means buckling up, slowing down, and not driving while impaired.
People will be driving both speeds and distances they are unfamiliar with. I urge that drivers do all they can to arrive alive. This means taking appropriate breaks, leaving your phone alone and being aware of your surroundings.
