Not one person was caught attempting to illegally enter regional Victoria through a 'ring of steel' checkpoint on the day greater freedoms were announced for the state.
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The Courier understands Monday was the first day since the 'ring of steel' began in early July when no fine was issued despite 31,685 cars being pulled over at the various checkpoints across Victoria - including near Bacchus Marsh.
To put it in perspective, just over two weeks ago on October 11 that number was 52 from just 17,853 cars.
SEE THE NUMBER OF CARS STOPPED EACH DAY AND NUMBER OF FINES ISSUED OVER PAST COUPLE OF MONTHS
Last Monday, two Melburnians from different households copped a hefty near-$5000 fine each for failing to stop at the checkpoint near Bacchus Marsh on the way to Ballarat. The driver allegedly tested positive for drugs.
Others breaches over the COVID journey involving Ballarat included the man who said he was going gold prospecting and another who drove to our city twice for some 'fresh air'.
Since the start of September, excluding days when data was not available - September 18, 25 and October 23-24 - there were 755 fines handed out, with most days being in double digits (average of 14.8 a day).
The previous lowest amount in 24 hours at checkpoints was two - on October 8 and 19.
The new data, released on Tuesday by Victoria Police, is promising as Victorians 'become one' again after tight restrictions have controlled the state for the past four months.
The 'ring of steel' is set to come down at midnight on November 8 provided COVID-19 case numbers remain low.
The 'ring of steel' checkpoint was setup near Bacchus Marsh in early July when metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire went back to tight restrictions. It was aimed at stopping Melburnians from "running the gauntlet" and potentially spreading the virus in the regions.
Meanwhile, home visit rules for Melburnians were announced by Premier Daniel Andrews on Tuesday, which is the second straight day of no new cases or deaths for the first time since March 5 and 6.