Police will launch an operation aimed at recreational trail bike riders and four-wheel drivers in the Ballan and Trentham areas this weekend.
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The multi agency conducted Operation Dorset will be undertaken by Victoria Police uniform and highway patrol officers working in collaboration with Parks Victoria and the Department of Environment, Land Water and Planning (DELWP) throughout the weekend.
Sergeant Michael Kearnes said trail bike riders and four-wheel drivers made up nearly 20 per cent of all serious injuries in these regional areas.
The Lerderderg State Park and Wombat State Forest attract large numbers of recreational bikers and four-wheel drivers due to the challenging terrain and proximity to Melbourne, with the areas having been identified as having a significant increase in serious injury collisions.
"We're talking mostly about men, over 45 years of age who are licensed and registered owners of trail bikes and four-wheel drive vehicles, not random drivers," Sgt Kearnes said.
"We've discovered that not only are these recreational trail-bike riders putting themselves in positions beyond their ability, but in locations beyond the capacity of their vehicles.
"Our message to park users and recreational riders is please be safe."
Police will have a visible presence and will patrol entry and exit points of popular tracks where they will intercept and interview riders.
They will also attend camp sites within the parks and forests that are known to be used by trail riders in order to detect offences and educate riders in an effort to prevent the collisions.
"We're aiming to educate all drivers about safety and to ensure they comply with the rules and regulations of these state forests and parks," he said.
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