Tate Papworth
Police have taken aim at speeding motorists who kept them busy over the Labour Day long weekend.
Of the 8060 traffic offences issued across the state as part of Operation Arid, 3413 were issued to people speeding.
Brimbank was no exception with 176 speeding offences recorded during the four-day operation during which 11 vehicles were impounded.
Of particular concern for Brimbank Highway Patrol officers was a 21-year-old learner motorbike rider who had his bike impounded after he was clocked doing 147km/h in a 60km/h zone in Delaney.
Road Policing Command Assistant Commissioner Libby Murphy said it was disappointing to see so many examples of people excessively speeding.
“This type of behaviour will not be tolerated by Victoria Police,” AC Libby Murphy said.
“Our bodies are a fragile thing and there is only so much force we can take before we are seriously injured or killed in a crash.
“If we throw into the mix country roads, limited visibility at night and inexperienced driving – it is a recipe for disaster. We were lucky that none of these incidents resulted in a more severe outcome.”
But speeding drivers weren’t the only cause for concern.
Police dished out infringement notices to 54 people for disobeying signs/signals, 39 for driving unregistered vehicles, 14 to unlicensed drivers and 13 for mobile phone offences.
There were also 10 notices issued to disqualified drivers, six for seatbelt offences, six drug drivers and two drink drivers.
A 21-year-old Keilor Downs man with just a learner’s permit, was caught driving with false plates attached to his unregistered car and was issued with $2000 in fines.
But local police weren’t confined to Brimbank.
Police pursued three offenders who they say “tore through Brimbank in a stolen car, putting lives at risk.” The trio were followed to Broadmeadows where they were arrested.
A photo posted by Victoria Police shows the pursuit ended in a mess for the local service station, with a partially knocked over bowser, and a spilled bin/cleaning unit.
Meanwhile a 20-year-old Deer Park man was caught driving an allegedly stolen car, with fake plates and under the influence of drugs.
The unlicensed driver was placed in custody and the vehicle recovered.
