A POLICE operation targeting drivers over the Melbourne Cup long weekend caught more than 5000 people.
Operation Furlong ran for five days. During that time police caught more than 2000 people speeding, 295 people drink-driving, 187 drug-driving, and 232 on their phones.
Victoria Police acting road policing assistant commissioner Justin Goldsmith said “it was a challenging weekend on Victorian roads, with widespread wet weather and ongoing flooding putting a dampener on people’s travel arrangements. However, it did not deter police enforcement efforts, with over 5000 offences detected during our five-day road safety operation.”
“What was extremely concerning to us was the strike rate of drink drivers – one in every 295 drivers we tested were detected for drink driving, which may not seem significant but compared to a month ago where one in every 536 drivers were caught drink driving, the increase in strike rate is quite alarming. As we approach the festive time of the year, we know social events synonymous with alcohol and drug consumption become more frequent. With so many alternative transport options available, there is absolutely no excuse for drink and drug driving.
“We will be focusing our efforts on widespread alcohol and drug testing as we head towards the end of the year, so you can be confident you will be tested and caught, even if you’re only a little bit over the limit.
