Increase in road offences during Operation Regal

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Harper Sercombe

40 offences throughout Hume and Whittlesea were detected during a major road safety effort over the King’s Birthday long weekend.

Operation Regal saw police targeting high-risk driving behaviour across the state from 12.01 am on June 9 to 11.59 pm on April 12, in an effort to reduce road trauma.

In Hume, police detected 12 speeding offences, 4 unregistered vehicles, 1 mobile phone offence, 1 drink driver, 2 unlicensed drivers and 10 disobey signs or signals.

In Whittlsea, 3 speeding offences, 1 seatbelt offence, 1 unregistered vehicle, 1 drink driver, 2 disqualified drivers and 2 disobey signs or signals were detected by police.

Across the state 6546 offences were detected during Operation Regal with two fatalities following separate incidents.

Acting assistant commissioner of road policing Martin O’Brien said this year’s Operation Regal saw an increase in the number of offences detected.

“The wintery weather can create dangerous conditions on these mountain roads and four-wheel drive tracks, and if you’re unfamiliar with these roads or inexperienced driving them, it can be a recipe for disaster,” he said.

“We would advise motorists to monitor the conditions and avoid travelling on these roads if you’re unequipped or it is unsafe to do so, you’re better to play it safe than be sorry.

“Police will continue to enforce against those who engage in risky driving behaviour, and we make no apologies for this.”