Police caught 15 drink drivers during a major road policing operation on Melbourne’s Eastlink Freeway over the weekend.
Operation Chorus II, which was conducted over Friday and Saturday night specifically targeted impaired driving on the Eastlink, in Scoresby.
Across the two days, 2515 preliminary breath tests were recorded with 15 drivers found to be in excess of the legal alcohol limit. A further two refused to undergo a preliminary breath test or evidentiary breath test and are to be summonsed to court and face a mandatory two-year cancellation of their licence.
Of the 15 motorists caught drink driving one driver returned a blood alcohol reading (BAC) of .165, more than three times the legal limit. One driver was detected driving whilst under the influence of drugs.
• A 27-year-old man from Noble Park recorded a BAC of 0.168. His licence was cancelled, and he will be summonsed to court to appear at a later date. His car was also impounded.
• A 60-year-old man from Frankston who had a BAC of 0.090 received a $577 fine and his licence was cancelled for 6 months.
• A 44-year-old man from Carrum Downs who tested positive for methylamphetamine, received a $577 fine and his licence was cancelled for six months. His car was also impounded.
Police also impounded four vehicles, and detected five drivers who were either unlicenced, disqualified or suspended.
First time offenders who are fully licenced and aged 26 years or older caught with a blood alcohol limit between .05 and .07 receive a $577 fine and immediate three-month licence suspension.
The penalties increase substantially for those under 26 years of age, those required to have a zero blood or breath alcohol level, those caught for second or subsequent drink driving offences, and those caught over .07 or above – including larger fines, longer licence suspensions, alcohol interlocks, attendance at court and even jail time for the most serious offences.
Quotes attributable to Inspector Jarrad Dowswell, Eastern Region Road Policing:
“When you look at the road trauma across the state, we continue to be alarmed at the number of drivers who continue to be caught breaking road rules – in particular, those caught driving impaired.
“Miscalculation of alcohol consumption is one of the most common reasons given to police when drivers are caught over the limit – suggesting that many people are prepared to risk having a few drinks before getting behind the wheel.
Police will continue to conduct alcohol and drug testing at every opportunity, so if you choose to get behind the wheel, expect to see us, regardless of whether you are on a freeway.”
