Police target distracted and speeding drivers in Banyule operation

Drivers have been caught brazenly using their phones metres from the Heidelberg courthouse in front of uniformed police as part of a national crackdown on distracted motorists. Police warn it’s just the start. Find out what’s next.

Police crack down on drivers distracted on Banyules roads. Picture by Wayne Taylor.

Thirty drivers have been busted using their phones while behind the wheel as part of a police operation in Banyule.

The National Day of Action against distracted drivers saw uniformed officers man sites outside the Heidelberg Magistrates Court as well as in Upper Heidelberg Rd, Ivanhoe.

Heidelberg Sergeant David Refeld said 18 motorists were nabbed for mobile phone use at the courthouse, while 12 were booked in Ivanhoe.

“Most of the time, we could just walk over and tap on the window of the driver using their phone and tell them to pull over ahead.” Sgt Refeld said.

Heidelberg Police Sgt David Refeld said too many drivers are distracted on the roads.

Another 28 drivers were caught speeding and seven fined for driving an unregistered vehicle.

Five drivers were caught drink or drug driving, four were unlicensed and two were nabbed for not wearing a seatbelt.

Four cars were also impounded during the operation.

Drivers caught using devices, such as phones, while driving were stung with a $495 fine and lost four demerit points.

Across Victoria, 1014 drivers were caught speeding and 255 drivers fined for phone use.

Banyule made up 11.7 per cent of the phone use offences.

Nationally, 8574 traffic offences were detected.

Speeding drivers will be targeting in the upcoming statewide Argus Operation.

Road Policing Command Assistant Commissioner Stephen Leane said he was pleased with the outcome of the day.

“We wanted to redirect the communities’ attention to road trauma and the importance of abiding by the road rules, and the National Day of Action did exactly that.” Mr Leane said.

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Police will be back on the streets for Operation Argus, which will run from Thursday, September 5 to Sunday, September 8.

“Every police officer on the road will be breath testing drivers, if you’re driving that weekend, expect to interact with police,” Sgt Refeld said.

Drink and drug driving, phone use, speed and seatbelts will be targeted during the operation in Banyule, Darebin, Nillumbik and Whittlesea.

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