By Tate Papworth
Brimbank police were left shaking their heads at driver behaviour during the Queen’s Birthday long weekend.
Brimbank led the state for infringements with more than 1000 traffic offences detected during Operation Regal, which ran from June 7 to 10.
Eighteen vehicles were impounded, most for excessive speed, and 11 drink and drug drivers were caught.
Brimbank Highway Patrol Sergeant Bill Joannidis said two high readings recorded on the first day of the operation were of particular concern.
“We had a 27-year-old female from Taylors Lakes record a blood alcohol reading of 0.160 per cent (more than three times the limit) and a 31-year-old male from Taylors Hill, who recorded 0.155 per cent,” he said.
“This male, despite being three times over the limit, was also detected going 30km/h over the speed limit.
“Speeding is dangerous. Driving alcohol-affected is dangerous.
“Together they are a recipe for disaster … luckily he was intercepted before he seriously injured or killed someone.”
The wild weekend on Brimbank roads culminated with a large “hoon gathering” in Keilor Park.
Highway Patrol units blocked the cars in at Harrick Road and obtained the details of all drivers and passengers present at the event.
Police expect about 300 people to be issued with $800 fines under a Brimbank council by-law that prohibits attending such events.
Brimbank mayor Lucinda Congreve said the council’s tough stance on hoon behaviour was reaping results.
“The community has been consistently supportive of any efforts to reduce hooning in the streets of Brimbank,” Cr Congreve said.
“The prospect of a fine seems to be working as incidents of hooning events in Brimbank – including complaints to council – have
reduced since the introduction of this local law.”
Under the law, Victoria Police members are authorised by the council to issue infringement notices.
