A ROAD safety operation has been launched by Victoria Police after a horror week of fatalities.
Seven people died on Victorian roads in the week following 14 October. Operation “Saturn” has now been launched, with more resources going towards road policing.
Road Policing Command Assistant Commissioner Libby Murphy said “we expect that road trauma will increase as more people get back on our roads. It is devastating to me that in the last week seven people have already fallen victim to this.”
“Operation Saturn comes at a critical time for the Victorian community, with easing of some restrictions coinciding with two long weekends,” she said. “We’re urging everyone to go back to basics. That means buckling up, slowing down, and not driving while impaired.
“For those in metro Melbourne, it’s the first time in a while we’ve been able to move further than 5km from home. Be patient, exercise caution and drive slowly to ensure that you keep yourself and other road users safe. Expect to see vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists around populated areas like parks and beaches and drive accordingly.”
Police are also warning that regular PBTs and drug tests will be up and running. “We know that the number of drink and drug drivers typically increases on Grand Final weekend and during the Melbourne Cup Carnival,” AC Murphy said.
The operation runs until 8 November.
