Speeding drivers in Melbourne’s west have been put on notice as police launch a major operation to target dangerous road users during the coming Queen’s Birthday long weekend.
Senior Sergeant Ross Burbidge, the road policing advisor for Brimbank and Melton, says Operation Regal will be conducted from Friday, June 6, to Monday, June 9.
“Large volumes of traffic are expected on our major freeways and highways, particularly on Friday and Monday,” Mr Burbidge said.
“Police will be focusing on excessive speeding, alcohol and drug-impaired driving, mobile phones, seat belts and fatigue, which are main contributing factors for fatal and serious-injury collisions.”
Chairman of the RoadSafe Westgate Community Road Safety Council, Jim Giddings, said speeding increased both the risk of being involved in a crash and the severity of injuries sustained.
“Speeding and inappropriate travel speeds directly contribute to at least 30 per cent of deaths on Victoria’s roads each year.”
Mr Giddings said the work of his group along with initiatives like Operation Regal would hopefully reduce the number of serious crashes on western suburbs roads.
“It’s hoped the campaign will see an increased awareness of the consequences of speeding, which, coupled with enforcement measures targeting the minority of drivers who put all road users at risk, [will make] our local roads safer.”
The Victorian Community Road Safety Partnership Program has provided funding to support RoadSafe Westgate in addressing local road safety issues throughout the west.
