Police target speedway hoons in Queen’s Birthday road operation
As Victorians prepare for the first long weekend since coronavirus restrictions were relaxed, police have warned they’ll be out in force in Melbourne’s north — and it’s not just drivers in their sights. Here’s where they’ll be targeting.
North West
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Hoons using major roads as speedways and an increase in traffic has police concerned as Victorians prepare for their first long weekend since coronavirus restrictions eased.
Across the northern suburbs police will flood the main highways that lead motorists out of the city and towards the snow, wineries and country hotspots for the Queen’s Birthday weekend.
Drug-drivers will also be targeted after police detected an increase in offences in Whittlesea, Nillumbik, Darebin and Banyule.
Greensborough Highway Patrol caught seven drug-drivers from just 13 tests on Sunday and Monday nights.
“Everybody when they’re intercepted I assure you will be getting a preliminary breath test and an oral fluid test,” Senior Sergeant Wayne Cully said.
Sen-Sgt Cully said there would be a visible police presence on roads leading north across the long weekend as part of Operation Regal, as well as the roadworks on the Western Ring Rd.
“I drive that road every day to work and I sit on 80km/h and people are just strolling past me at 100km/h-plus,” he said.
Greensborough Highway Patrol motorcycles will also be looking out for cyclists and pedestrians along High St in Preston, Thornbury and Northcote, with more traffic returning to the roads after a lifting of restrictions.
Sen-Sgt Cully urged drivers to take care on the winding roads leading to wineries through Kangaroo Ground and Wattle Glen after separate fatal and serious-injury collisions last month.
In Moreland, Hume and Moonee Valley, Inspector Chris Allen said police would have strong coverage on major highways and freeways that some drivers had been using as “speedways” during the pandemic lockdown.
“Some motorists have intentionally been choosing to excessively speed while there is less traffic on the road,” he said.
“These drivers have been opportunistic and using the fact there are not as many cars on the road that keep their speed in check.
“This has been steadily increasing (and) until traffic returns to normal we expect this behaviour to continue.”
Insp Allen said motorists needed to take extra care after being cooped up at home for so long.
“We are expecting an increased number of vehicles on the road with the easing of restrictions,” he said.
“Many drivers may be out of practice after not travelling long distances since March.
“Unfamiliar or changed roads, weather conditions and vehicles and campers that maybe haven’t been used for a while can all contribute to collisions and road trauma.
“Do the right thing, don’t be in a rush to get to where you are going, take plenty of rest stops along the way and look out for one another on our roads.”
Operation Regal runs from Friday, June 5 to Monday, June 8.
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