By Jessica Anstice
Police are “disappointed” with the number of drink and drug driving cases within the Cardinia, Casey and Greater Dandenong division (division 3) this long weekend.
Division 3 ranked the number one worst in the state during Operation Furlong, with police detecting 58 drink or drug impaired drivers across the division over the five day police operation.
“It’s fairly disappointing that we have the highest amount of drink and drug impaired drivers in the state,” Cardinia Highway Patrol sergeant Paul Holtzinger said.
“We’ve had two road fatalities in Cardinia this year and they both involved alcohol so we’re trying to drive the message home that drinking, drugs and driving do not mix.
“We’re going to continue working and remaining committed to removing these impaired and high speed drivers off our roads to ensure everyone can enjoy the Christmas and holiday period.”
Although disappointed by the results, Sgt Holtzinger was relieved police were “there to pick these offending drivers up”.
“Every bit of manpower was put into this operation,” he added.
“Our cars are struggling after the long weekend – half of them are in for servicing and repairs.”
“We need them tidied up for the summertime operation.”
