By ALESHA CAPONE
POLICE have detected more than 340 traffic offences while conducting a six-week, road-safety operation in Brimbank and Melton.
Inspector Simon Stevens, a tasking and co-ordination manager from the North West metro region, is in charge of Brimbank and Melton Highway Patrols.
Officers from both units recently conducted Operation Stoop 2 in and around Taylors Rd, in partnership with the TAC.
More than 250 drivers were caught committing 348 offences including three on drink-driving charges, more than 135 speeding offences, 25 mobile phone users and more than 40 unregistered drivers.
More than 20 motorists were caught breaking seatbelt laws, 19 driving while disqualified and 17 unlicensed drivers.
Eight vehicles were also impounded during the operation.
Insp Stevens said he recently began working in the West, after serving as officer in charge of the Melbourne Highway Patrol.
He said there had been a reduction in the number of collisions in Brimbank and Melton from previous years, “however it was disappointing to see us still detecting drivers disobeying the law and putting themselves and others in danger”.
“We are here to help the community be safe on our roads and will continue to do so, however we really need the community’s help to achieve this long term,” he said.
“It’s not just about the police enforcing bad driver behaviour, its about the community working with us and our partners such as the TAC to reduce road trauma.
“We will continue with our focus on enforcing low level speeding, as this plays a major part in road trauma.
“Everyone needs to know that speeding, drink/drug driving and driving while distracted are the major killers on our roads.”
