Police are concerned about the high number of Melton road users testing positive for drugs following two major traffic operations.
Operation Amber, targeting drink driving, and Operation Shine, targeting motorcyclists, were conducted across the Melton police service area between December and May.
Officers caught 11 drink drivers exceeding the alcohol limit of .05, 11 tested positive for illicit drugs, 12 were caught speeding and 17 disqualified or unlicenced during Operation Amber.
Only one motorcyclist was caught over the alcohol limit during Operation Shine, but 22 motorcyclists tested positive to illicit drugs.
Melton Highway Patrol Sergeant Chris Stuhldreier said the results from both operations were “alarming”.
“We’re still getting a high detection of a number of offences,” Sergeant Stuhldreier said.
“What is particularly alarming is that we’re getting a high detection of drug-affected drivers.
“It not only puts their own lives in danger but the lives of the rest of the public and road users in danger as well.
“Driving while under the influence of drink and or drugs is never a good mix.”
Operation Shine also detected 49 speeding motorcyclists, nine disqualified, 17 unlicenced and 21 unregistered.
Sergeant Stuhldreier said it was pleasing to see road trauma statistics for the Melton service area on a downward trend between January and May.
