Speedy weekend drivers

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Ewen McRae

By Ewen McRae

More than 150 speeding offences were recorded in the Melton and Moorabool region during a Labour Day long weekend police blitz.

Speeding was the most common offence detected across both police service areas, and the state, during Operation Arid.

Melton recorded 92 speeding offences between 12.01am on March 6 and 11.59pm on March 9. There were 69 offences in Moorabool for the same time.

Across the state, 3413 speeding offences were detected.

Road Policing Command Assistant Commissioner Libby Murphy said it was disappointing to see the speed limits so consistently ignored.

“This type of behaviour will not be tolerated by Victoria Police,” Assistant Commissioner Murphy said.

“Our bodies are a fragile thing and there is only so much force we can take before we are seriously injured or killed in a crash.

“If we throw into the mix country roads, limited visibility at night and inexperienced driving – it is a recipe for disaster. We were lucky that none of these incidents resulted in a more severe outcome.”

Melton also recorded one drink driver, seven drug drivers, 17 unlicensed or disqualified drivers, 13 unregistered vehicles, and seven vehicles were impounded.

In Moorabool, three drink drivers and one drug driver was detected, as well as 13 unregistered vehicles. Three cars were impounded.

There were no fatalities recorded in Melton or Moorabool, however three people died on Victorian roads during the blitz, taking the state’s road toll to 50.