Victorians hitting the road over the Melbourne Cup Carnival weekend are being urged to plan ahead and keep road safety front of mind.
Operation Furlong, an annual road policing operation that takes place over the Melbourne Cup Carnival weekend, will be happening across metropolitan, regional and rural Victoria, with an additional police presence to ensure drivers are doing the right thing.
Operation Furlong will work to save lives and reduce road trauma, with a focus on drink and drug driving, speed, fatigue, seatbelt offences and driver distraction, including mobile phone use.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Lisa Nevill said the Cup Carnival weekend was a busy time on Victoria’s roads, and people needed to take care to ensure they stay safe over the festive racing period – whether they’re travelling in the city or heading away for the weekend.
“We’ll be seeing an increase in traffic and we’re reminding people who may be out celebrating the Melbourne Cup Carnival to plan ahead and make sure they get home safely,” Ms Neville said.
“If you think you’re unfit to drive, don’t. It’s better to play it safe than play with your life.”
Since the beginning of the year 229 people have lost their lives on Victorian roads, which is 57 more than the same time last year. Most of the 2019 increase has been in regional Victoria, which is why police will be out in full force focusing on these areas over the racing period.
