Extra police will be on the roads in coming months as Brimbank Highway Patrol steps up efforts to take drink drivers off the roads and cut the death and injury toll.
Operation Solo Strike and Operation Safe Solo will run concurrently until the end of May, with Brimbank and Melton police particularly focused on motorcycle behaviour, as well as drunk and drugged driving.
Leading senior constable Trent Hewet said lowering the number of motorcycle fatalities was a big focus.
“Last year, there were 17 fatalities on Brimbank roads, and six of those were motorcycle-related,” he said.
“Out of these there were also a number of drivers at fault with issues with licences, so we will target that [as well].
“Incidents involving motorcycles can be particularly traumatic, there’s not much to keep the driver safe if an accident occurs.”
There will be 52 extra shifts added to the highway patrols’ roster as part of the twin operations.
Education and deterrence are equally important for officers in their aim.
“We’re not targeting specific areas of Brimbank and Melton, it will be all over,” senior constable Hewet said.
“If we can educate people before an incident happens that is ideal.
“We will especially boost our numbers around major weekends like Easter.”
