‘Not a race’: Police ramp up speeding fines ahead of Melburne Cup

Revellers have been told to “leave the racing to the horses and jockeys” as Victorians head into one of the year’s most dangerous times on the roads.

Victoria Police have issued a warning to motorists ahead of the Melbourne Cup after data revealed speeding figures were on the rise.

Last year, November recorded the largest jump in speeding fines of any month of the year, and as the Spring Carnival approaches this weekend, police are ramping up its road safety initiative, Operation Furlong.

Victoria Police have issued a warning to punters driving to and from the Spring Carnival this weekend. Picture: NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui

“Our message this weekend is simple – it’s not a race,” said Assistant Commisioner Road Policing Glenn Weir.

“Leave the racing to the horses and jockeys on the racetrack – slow down and stick to the speed limit and allow plenty of travel time to reach your destination safely.”

November was the deadliest month on Victorian roads last year, equal with January, recording 32 deaths in the month, 13 of which were over the Melbourne Cup weekend alone.

More than 11,200 speeding fines were issued byVictoria Police in November last year. Picture: NewsWire/ David Crosling

There were 11,291 speeding infringements recorded in November last year, a 17 per cent leap from the previous year. Despite speeding being the “number one contribuer to road trauma”, it remains one of the most common traffic infringements detected by police and one of the leading causes of fatal crashes.

“Our data indicates there’s been a significant rise in the number of people being caught speeding during November,” said commissioner Weir. “The fact November was the deadliest month on the roads last year is no coincidence.”

Victoria Police will ramp up its drug and alcohol testing ahead of the Melbourne Cup. Picture: NewsWire/ David Crosling

Almost 40 per cent of the 11,291 speeding infringements reported in November took place between 2pm and 4pm, with the most speeding fines handed out on Sunday.

Nearly 150,000 alcohol and drug tests were conducted on the roads last year, and police are warning drivers they can expect to see the same this year, and can be tested anywhere and at any time.

“During Operation Furlong you can expect to see police highly visible across the state’s roads – we’ll be on the lookout for those who choose to speed, and we’ll also be conducting widespread drug and alcohol testing,” commissioner Weir said. “Last year we conducted close to 150,000 alcohol and drug tests over Cup weekend, so if you think you won’t be caught – think again.”

Originally published as ‘Not a race’: Police ramp up speeding fines ahead of Melburne Cup