A JOINT operation in Langwarrin by police and sheriff’s officers, Saturday 12 August, led to 998 warrants being executed bringing in fines of more than $300,000.
The police, from Somerville Highway Patrol and Frankston and Carrum Downs police stations, set up an automatic number plate recognition site on Cranbourne Rd.
Two vehicles were clamped on the spot after their drivers had avoided several opportunities to pay fines or enter into payment plans.
Police dealt with 28 traffic offences, including a drink driver who blew 0.112 per cent – at 9am in the morning.
Three drivers were detected drug driving, 10 were unauthorised to drive – being unlicensed, disqualified or suspended – and six were for driving unregistered vehicles.
Police charged three drivers and impounded three vehicles – one for drunk driving and the others for driving while suspended.
Sergeant Peter Martin, of Somerville Highway Patrol, said: “These joint operations are an essential part of our approach to policing and in holding people to account for their actions – outstanding sheriff’s warrants don’t just “go away”.
“Those with warrants outstanding will eventually be dealt with. I suggest to anyone that may have outstanding fine warrants to contact their local sheriff’s office and make arrangements to enter a payment plan, rather than being dealt with at the roadside.
“And, from a policing point of view, if you don’t have a licence, your car is unregistered or you are impaired by drugs or alcohol, then don’t drive – we may not get you every time, but with our ongoing operations we’ll get you eventually.”