By Mitchell Clarke
Victoria Police were out in force over the Easter long weekend in search of ‘bad eggs’ and disappointingly, 20 drug drivers were nabbed across Cardinia.
Despite a quiet holiday period for most, police promised to be out and about as part of Operation Nexus, an annual road policing focus on preventing road trauma by targeting speeding, impairment, fatigue, distraction and seatbelt offences.
Four drink drivers and 20 drug drivers were intercepted by police over the operation, which also detected 11 disqualified drivers and eight unlicensed drivers.
Three vehicles were impounded and a number of motorists will receive a nasty surprise when an infringement lands at their door.
Police issued 49 speeding tickets and five fines for disobey signs and signals, while two people were caught on their phone and two others were caught wearing no seat belts.
Road Policing Command Assistant Commissioner Libby Murphy said it was fortunate there had been no deaths resulting from irresponsible choices across the five days.
“We take comfort in the fact no one has died as a result of stupidity on our roads this weekend but it’s this sort of reckless and selfish behaviour that can lead to a lifetime of grief for others,” AC Murphy said.
“We can only hope – while these drivers live with the consequences of having their vehicles temporarily impounded, their licences removed or their day in court – that they realise this is the far better outcome.”
Statewide, a total of 8283 traffic and criminal offences were detected.
A 26-year-old woman was pulled over by police in Berwick and returned an alleged reading of .240 percent while a 29-year-old woman returned an alleged reading of .162 percent in Narre Warren.
Operation Nexus ran from 12.01am Thursday 9 April to 11.59pm Monday 13 April.
