By Mitchell Clarke
Victoria Police have vowed to be on the hunt for ‘bad eggs’ during an annual Easter weekend road operation.
Less people are expected on the roads over the long weekend as strict coronavirus restrictions ban all non-essential travel, however police will still be out in force in an effort to curb road trauma.
Road Policing Command assistant commissioner Libby Murphy said Operation Nexus would target drink and drug driving, speeding, fatigue, distraction and seatbelt offences.
“People still need to be mindful about their behaviour on roads regardless of a Covid-19 situation, AC Murphy said.
“We do anticipate less cars on our roads and we expect people to abide by the directions that have been put in place by the Chief Health Officer.
“In line with those directions, we recognise that some travel is essential – while people may not be frequenting their normal holiday destinations and travelling those distances, there is no question there will still be vehicles out and about.”
AC Murphy said there was “no excuse” for drivers to exercise poor behaviour when undergoing essential travel.
She added that although booze buses remain off the road, preliminary breath tests and drug tests will continue.
“We will still be highly visible and mobile in the community,” she said.
Of 99 drivers tested for drugs by Cardinia Highway Patrol throughout the shire in March, 30 returned a positive result.
On 8 April alone, officers nabbed three drug drivers from Pakenham, who all had prior drug driving offences.
“Anyone who chooses to drink or take drugs and drive will be caught,” AC Murphy added.
“The sad reality is that road trauma creates a ripple effect that stretches far wider than the individual – it hurts families, friends, communities and emergency services.
“We don’t need any extra grief or stress in our community at this already challenging time.”
As part of Operation Nexus, police will also be enforcing directions put in place by the Chief Health Officer designed to stop the spread of coronavirus.
There are only four reasons for Victorians to leave their home: food and supplies, medical care and care giving, exercise, and work or education.
Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Professor Brett Sutton urged Victorians to stay vigilant, particularly as we approach the Easter holidays.
“The rules are clear – and they don’t change over Easter: if you can stay at home, you must stay at home,” Professor Sutton said.
“This is tough for many families, but no Easter holiday is worth a life. Stay at home, protect the health system, and save lives.
“This is not a normal Easter. Travelling, visiting friends, heading to the beach or staying in regional Victoria could see all our hard-won gains evaporate.
“There is no doubt about it – physical distancing will save lives. I urge people not to look for loopholes but to follow the advice and do the right thing.”
Since 21 March, Victoria Police have conducted a total of 17,104 spot checks and issued 78 fines in a 24 hour period.
Police issued fines to two men who were caught watching a movie in their car at a public place, to four people found driving “aimlessly” and to a Wantirna South man who claimed to be purchasing water when he was intercepted driving in South Melbourne.
Operation Nexus runs from 12.01am on Thursday 9 April until 11.59pm on Monday 13 April.
