Police have targeted speeding drivers in a bid to lower the road toll on some of Melton’s highest risk rural roads.
Hopkins Road in Truganina, Melton Highway in Plumpton, Diggers Rest-Coimadai Road in Toolern Vale, Gisborne-Melton Road in Toolern Vale and Vineyard Road in Diggers Rest were in the spotlight during the three-month TAC-funded Operation Cast.
There were no serious injury or fatal collisions on the roads during the operation, which ran from September to November.
But Melton Highway Patrol officer in charge Sergeant Chris Stuhldreier said a “disturbing” 262 drivers were detected doing the wrong thing.
“Whilst it was pleasing that we were able to secure the additional funding from TAC to provide additional patrols and presence on our five high-risk roads, it is disturbing that 262 drivers were detected committing road-related offences for a total of 355 offences,” he said.
According to police, there were 215 speeding offences detected where the driver was 10-25km/h over the speed limit. A further 18 offences were for more than 25km/h over the limit.
“The correlation between speed and road trauma cannot be ignored,” Sergeant Stuhldreier said.
During the operation there were two drug offences, eight unlicensed drivers were nabbed and 13 were driving unregistered vehicles.
“Twenty-two mobile phone offences were detected which is also concerning as science tells us that distraction is another leading contributor towards road trauma,” Sergeant Stuhldreier said. “When driving these roads, ensure you drive at safe speeds, remain alert, and avoid distractions.”
Operations Cast was one of many across the state.
By Dewi Sherry
