Operation Amity to target drink, drug, speeding drivers during long weekend
Geelong’s top cop has warned residents and tourists to remain patient in the coming days as the city prepares for a mega weekend of events.
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Geelong’s top cop has warned residents and tourists to remain patient on our roads and to “show a bit of respect” to other drivers as the city prepares for a mega weekend of events.
Geelong will be put on the world stage this weekend with the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race to be held throughout the region, as well as the Festival of Sails at the waterfront.
Acting Superintendent Peter Nichols said police were focusing on road safety and public order as part of Operation Amity.
“We will be focused on speeding, drink and drug drivers,” he said.
A number of roads will be closed across Geelong, the Surf Coast and Barwon Heads as part of the international road race with diversions in place.
“The key is patience and to show a bit of respect,” Supt Nichols said.
“Slow down to make sure you arrive and get home safely.”
Supt Nichols warned drivers should expect an increase in traffic, especially on Sunday afternoon, with tourists heading home after enjoying the long weekend on the coast.
He said behaviour in recent years had been “positive” across the Australia Day long weekend.
“It’s a real community focused weekend,” Supt Nichols said.
“But there is an impact which tests people’s patience.”
Officers will ramp up patrols along the foreshore on the weekend and extra units have been deployed to monitor crowds watching the road race.
“We will see an increase around our licensed premises during the weekend and a focus down on the foreshore,” Supt Nichols said.
In the past 12 months, 11 people have died on Greater Geelong roads, according to TAC data.
“Unfortunately we have lost lives on our roads (in recent weeks) which is very sad and traumatic for a lot of people,” Supt Nichols said.
“(We want people to) make sure everyone is safe and to look after each other.”
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