Up to 119 motorists were pinged for speeding across Ballarat over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend, with 12 drivers losing their licences on the spot.
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Highway Patrol members also ramped up saliva testing for drugs on freeways including near Federation University’s Mount Helen campus, catching two drug drivers and three drink drivers.
But Senior Sergeant Pat Cleary labelled Operation Regal a success, pointing to no fatalities or serious injuries being recorded during the holiday danger period.
“That is remarkable,” he said.
“We were all very pleased there were no critical injuries or fatalities, and it clearly shows most road users adhere to the rules.
“But unfortunately there are still drivers who do not drive responsibly.”
Police have the power to immediately suspend licences of those who speed 25 kilometres or more above the limit.
More than 3160 motorists were caught speeding and 418 drivers were fined for using their mobile phones statewide at the weekend, an increase of 23 and 28 per cent respectively on last year.
Road Policing Command Acting Assistant Commissioner Debra Robertson said the number of drivers who continue to flout the law was disappointing.
“I’m not sure what it will take for motorists to heed the warnings,” she said.
“Does it have to be the loss of a loved one for the message to get through?
“All our available highway patrol members and police throughout the state worked hard over the weekend.”
One in every 15 drivers tested positive for drugs while 245 drink drivers were caught after more than 147,200 drivers were tested.
Police also caught 195 disqualified and suspended motorists, 354 unlicenced drivers and 808 unregistered vehicles. More than 540 people disobeyed signs, 218 were sprung not wearing seat belts and 70 vehicles were impounded.
We were all very pleased there were no critical injuries or fatalities, and it clearly shows most road users adhere to the rules.
- Ballarat Highway Patrol Senior Sergeant Pat Cleary