Surprising result in first six days of road operation

Police conducted 636 alcohol breath tests between when the operation started on December 15 to Wednesday, December 20.

Shepparton Eastern Region Division 3 Highway Patrol Senior Sergeant Emma Moloney was pleased with the results so far.

“I’m really impressed there has been no alcohol or drug drivers detected,” she said.

“The lead-up to Christmas is a high-risk period for this with functions on.”

Thirty-seven other offences have been detected in Greater Shepparton during the first six days of the operation.

These include 14 motorists who were picked up speeding.

Ten of these were travelling at between 10-25km/h, while four drove at less than 10km/h over the speed limit.

Cyclists have also come under fire during the operation, with cyclists picked with eight offences detected, including not wearing a bicycle helmet and riding on the wrong side of the road.

Three drivers were handed notices for defective vehicles that needed repair.

One driver was caught not wearing a seatbelt, three were driving without a licence and one disobeyed a signal.

Four other drivers were picked up for other offences.

Sen Sgt Moloney wants motorists to slow down.

“The numbers are still high for the 10-25km/h (over the limit),” she said.

She is also urging drivers to stay safe on the roads as the number of motorists heading away for Christmas celebrations ramps up over the next few days.

“We urge drivers to make smart decisions before getting behind the wheel,” she said.

“I urge people to allow plenty of travel time, take regular breaks, and more importantly be courteous to other drivers.”

She said this year had been a “nightmare” year for road fatalities throughout Victoria, but particularly in this region.

Forty people have died in 31 crashes in the area within 50-minute drive from the Shepparton central business district since New Year’s Eve.

Sen Sgt Moloney said country roads had hazards that metropolitan roads did not have — with the quality of the roads, the length of them, wildlife and speed all factors in making them more dangerous.

“I ask people to drive to conditions,” she said.

“We want people to arrive at and return safely from their destinations and for them to spend good times with their loved ones.”

Operation Roadwise will continue until 11.59pm on Monday, January 1.