By MELISSA MEEHAN
A FUNDING boost to reduce road trauma in Cardinia will see police blitz the hills over the next three months.
Working in conjunction with the TAC, marked and unmarked police cars, as well as a police motorcycles, will enforce speed limits and road safety in the lead-up to Christmas along Belgrave-Gembrook Road and Launching Place Road as well as the main feeder roads leading to these areas.
Cardinia Highway Patrol’s Leading Senior Constable Peter Henderson said the majority of motorcycle collisions have occurred in these areas on the weekends during daylight hours.
The blitz began on Saturday 27 September and will run until Christmas.
“There are far too many motorcycle collisions that are occurring over the weekends, particularly as the fine weather is about and a massive increase in recreational riders take to the roads to ride their bikes for leisure,” Ldg Sen Const Henderson said.
“Most of these riders are responsible, however some just have the attitude that they can ride as they please without regard for the road rules and safety of other motorists.
“Police will be paying particularly attention to speed as well as the checking of motorcycles for roadworthiness.
“In addition, they will be handing out brochures on protective clothing to encourage riders and their pillions to reduce the risk of injury should they be involved in a collision.”
Police will also be conducting random road blocks to make sure all motorcyclists are licensed and their bikes are registered.
“Tragically, a 28-year-old male was killed on his motorcycle on Pakenham Road, Mt Burnnett, on Saturday 23 August in the afternoon during fine weather,” Ldg Sen Const Henderson said.
“This is why we will be out there to help prevent this tragic loss of life occurring.”
He said Pakenham Road was one of the feeder roads leading to the hills which operations Ridesafe 1 and Ridesafe 2 would target.
“By all means ride to have fun as the hills area is very picturesque but obey the road rules, slow down, wear protective clothing and be mindful there is a good chance that your speed will be checked as you round that corner or ride along the straights,” he said.
“This is your warning, there won’t be any whilst we are on patrol.”
