By NATALIE GALLENTI-BREKALO
DANGEROUS and reckless drivers in Melton and Brimbank have been the focus of a number of major road operations conducted by police in the last three months.
Melton and Brimbank Highway Patrol units have led at least three operations since November 2013 and handed out in excess of 800 offences to irresponsible drivers across both municipalities.
The TAC-funded operations have targeted speeding drivers, mobile and seatbelt offences and careless drivers.
Operation Ninja in Melton began in November last year and concentrated on 11 roads identified as having the highest road trauma in Melton and Caroline Springs.
Inspector Simon Stevens said results so far had seen a total of 319 drivers intercepted and 392 offences including one driver in excess of .05, seven disqualified drivers, 29 unlicensed, 174 speeding offences, 40 seatbelt offences, 27 unregistered vehicles and 17 mobile phone.
Insp Stevens said the operation will be ongoing and Melton Highway Patrol will continue to target any offenders.
A further two TAC-funded operations are being conducted by members of the Brimbank Highway Patrol and Sunshine and Keilor Downs police stations, focusing on low speed enforcement.
Operation Cannonball targets the eight highest areas for road trauma in Brimbank.
To date the results have seen 249 drivers intercepted with a total of 288 offences recorded including 114 speeding offences, 31 seatbelt offences and 54 mobile phone offences.
“The operation remains ongoing and the Brimbank Highway Patrol will continue to target these offences which are main drivers behind our road trauma,” Insp Stevens said.
Meanwhile, 56 drivers on Ballarat Rd, Western Highway, Melton Highway, Station Rd, Main Rd and Taylors Rd have been nabbed using their mobile phones as part of Operation Buckley.
“Distraction of drivers from the use of mobile phones and seat belts are two of the main causes of death and serious injury on our roads.
“We really need our community to appreciate that using a mobile phone and speeding while driving is dangerous and often results in serious collisions. The impact of being involved in a collision where someone is injured or killed is life changing.”
Insp Stevens said the role of police in conjunction with the TAC is to make the roads a safer place.
