Motorists are being urged to keep the racing to the track this Melbourne Cup weekend as new data reveals the number of people caught speeding in November is on the rise.
The data – released ahead of Victoria Police’s five-day road safety operation – shows November recorded the biggest jump in speeding infringements of any month last year.
There were 11,291 speeding infringements issued, up 17 per cent on the previous year when 9652 offences were recorded.
Almost 40 per cent of drivers caught speeding during November were travelling 15km/h or less over the speed limit.
Half were caught between 15km/h and 25km/h over the speed limit.
Between 2pm and 4pm was the most common time for drivers to be caught speeding during November last year, with Sunday the most common day to be detected.
The Wangaratta police service area topped the list for the most speeding infringements issued last November followed by Geelong, Moorabool, Yarra Ranges, Ballarat, Hume, the Surf Coast, Bendigo, Wodonga and Warrnambool.
November was the deadliest month on Victorian roads last year, equal with January.
There were 32 lives lost – 13 over the Melbourne Cup long weekend alone.
Excessive speed was identified as one of the most common themes contributing to fatal collisions.
Police are warning motorists that speed will remain a focus as Operation Furlong kicks off on 1 November.
The road policing operation will see police highly visible across the state’s roads in an effort to reduce road trauma.
Last year, police issued 8373 traffic infringements during Operation Furlong, including 3246 speeding offences.
Police conducted 145,339 roadside alcohol and drug tests during last year’s Operation Furlong and are reminding motorists they should expect to be tested anywhere, anytime this cup weekend.
Those heading to events should plan ahead and use public transport or rideshare services.
Victorians travelling to regional areas are being urged to allow plenty of extra travel time, stick to the speed limit, avoid distractions behind the wheel and take plenty of breaks to prevent fatigue.
Police issued a total 126,464 speeding infringements in 2023.
December saw the highest number of speeding infringements any month with 11,943 recorded.
Operation Furlong runs from 12.01am Friday 1 November to 11.59pm on Tuesday 5 November.
For more information and tips for staying safe on the roads this long weekend, visit the Road Safety page on the Victoria Police website.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Commissioner Road Policing, Glenn Weir:
“Our message this weekend is simple – it’s not a race. Leave the racing to the horses and jockeys on the racetrack – slow down and stick to the speed limit and allow plenty of travel time to reach your destination safely.
“Speeding remains the number one contributor to road trauma yet it’s the most common traffic infringement police detect on our roads, particularly during these high-risk periods.
“Our data indicates there’s been a significant rise in the number of people being caught speeding during November, and the fact November was the deadliest month on the roads last year is no coincidence.
“During Operation Furlong you can expect to see police highly visible across the state’s roads – we’ll be on the lookout for those who choose to speed, and we’ll also be conducting widespread drug and alcohol testing.
“Those heading to events this weekend, particularly those heading to Flemington racecourse – plan ahead, use alternative transport and do not risk drinking and driving.
“Last year we conducted close to 150,000 alcohol and drug tests over Cup weekend, so if you think you won’t be caught – think again.”
