Police in Victoria will be out in force over Easter to tackle speeding and drug and drink drivers.
Running until 18 April 2022 and again over the Anzac Day long weekend, Operation Compass will also target fatigue and irresponsible behaviour behind the wheel such as mobile phone use.
Local police officers will be supported by specialist resources including highway patrol, heavy vehicle units, solo-unit motorcycles and the operations response unit.
Booze and drug buses will be deployed across both metropolitan and regional Victoria throughout the Easter long weekend – targeting holiday hot spots, regional highways and popular city roads.
“We’re urging all Victorians to make smart decisions when travelling this Easter to avoid any heartbreaking situations,” said Minister for Police Lisa Neville.
“If you’re doing the wrong thing on our roads this long weekend, the chances are you’ll be caught, and the consequences will be serious.”
Last year’s operation detected 3,956 speeding offences, 297 drink drivers, 273 drug drivers, 346 drivers using their mobile phone and 222 disqualified or suspended drivers.
In addition to Operation Compass, Transport Accident Commission (TAC) will operate ’Pause Stops’, which will be set up for motorists to take a break when travelling along major regional roads.
Fatigue remains a major issue on Victoria’s roads, contributing to about 20 per cent of fatalities.
The Victorian State Emergency Service (VICSES) Driver Reviver Program will see 30 sites operating across the state, where drivers and their families will be greeted by volunteers offering a free cup of tea or coffee and a biscuit.
The Victorian Government aims to halve road deaths and reduce serious injuries by 2030, with the aim of eliminating road deaths by 2050.
