Dangerous drivers could find themselves sidelined if they give Victoria Police a reason to penalise them this Grand Final long weekend.
Victoria Police today launched Operation Scoreboard, which will run state-wide from midnight on Thursday until midnight on Sunday.
There will be a high-profile police presence across Melbourne and the rest of the state, with an increased focus on drink and drug driving, speed, fatigue, distraction offences and seatbelt compliance.
Minister for Police Lisa Neville said before footy fans start celebrating they should take the time to plan how they will get to and from the MCG, licenced venues, gatherings and other social events.
Despite a fatality-free long weekend last year, there were around 120 collisions where road users suffered injuries while 250 drink drivers and 202 drug drivers were caught.
In 2015 three people lost their lives and there were over 150 collisions resulting in injuries.
Road trauma costs more than $3 billion each year and speed directly contributes to at least 30 per cent of deaths on our roads.
Operation Scoreboard will run from 12.01am Thursday 28 September 2017 until 11.59pm Sunday 1 October 2017.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Police Lisa Neville
“We want all Victorians and interstate visitors to get out and enjoy the Grand Final long weekend but we need them to do that safely.”
“It’s really simple. If you’re going to drink – don’t drive. There are plenty of other transport options available and there’s no excuse for driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.”
“By taking a few minutes to make alternative travel plans, you could avoid a potentially life-changing accident.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020