Melbourne speeding drink driver slapped with virus fine on CityLink

Police are clamping down on Victorians breaching coronavirus restrictions as infections continue to rise, with record numbers of fines handed out in the past two days.

An accused speeding drink driver caught more than four times the legal limit in Melbourne has also been fined for breaching coronavirus restrictions.

The Koo Wee Rup man, 29, was pulled over on CityLink in Burnley when police spotted him travelling at 130km/h in an 80 zone about 11.30pm on Saturday.

He was among 170 Victorians fined for breaching the chief health officer’s directions in the past 24 hours to Sunday morning – the highest single day since the lockdown was reinstated on July 8.

It beat the previous day’s 168 fines, with 338 issued in the past 48 hours, as police ramp up enforcement of the coronavirus lockdown restrictions with infections across Victoria continuing to spiral.

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Prahran Highway Patrol officers spoke to the driver before he was taken to a nearby police station where he allegedly recorded .205 in a breath test.

Senior Constable Adam West said the man’s Ford ute was impounded and he is expected to be charged on summons for drink driving related offences.

“He was also found to be in breach of the directions issued by the chief health officer and was issued a $1652 penalty notice,” Snr Const West said.

Police on horseback patrol the Shrine of Remembrance enforcing the wearing of face masks in Melbourne on July 31. Picture: William West/AFP

Among the other fines handed out were five people gathered at a licenced premises in the CBD for a birthday celebration and party with 10 guests in Wyndham.

Five people were also given infringements after they were busted at a religious service at a factory in Dandenong.

Of the 170 fines, 18 went to people failing to wear a face covering, with most refusing to accept a mask even after being offered one by police.

Police Minister Lisa Neville said the overwhelming majority of Victorians were doing the right thing but authorities were still continuing to see “appalling behaviour”.

“Appalling behaviour that I know Victorians themselves are fed up with,” she said.

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“It can’t be because people aren’t aware of the rules. When Victoria Police pull people over they are aware of the rules but have made a decision to blatantly breach the chief health officer’s directives.

“If you’re thinking you can get around these rules, find ways to get around these rules, Victoria Police will be there. It’s the best way we can get out of these lockdowns if we all abide by the rules.”

Ms Neville said 247 Australian Defence Force personnel were now assisting police at vehicle checkpoints and on foot patrols in highly visited areas across the city.

Police have handed out 2422 infringements – at least $3.63 million in fines – since stage three restrictions were reintroduced in metropolitan Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire on July 8, with 254 given to people who failed to wear a face covering.

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