Victoria Police have detected 6,857 traffic offences across Victoria over the Anzac Day period as part of Operation Tribute.
The statewide operation saw police highly visible and enforcing over five days in an effort to reduce road trauma on Victorian roads.
Road Policing Assistant Commissioner Glenn Weir said Anzac Day is an important time of reflection and paying our respects, however it’s a shame we don’t see this extended to people’s behaviour on the roads.
“There is a clear lack of regard for the rules despite our continuous warnings that police will be out enforcing during high-risk periods – almost 7,000 offences detected over five days is disappointing,” he said.
“Of particular concern is the high number of people we are catching who should not be behind the wheel – these individuals show a blatant disregard for the road rules and to the safety of all other road users.”
More than a third of offences detected were for speeding, with the majority of motorists caught speeding between 10km/h and 25km/h over the speed limit.
Concerningly, police detected 441 motorists who are disqualified, suspended or unlicenced and not permitted to be driving.
Police were also astounded by more than 300 drivers caught using their mobile phone during the blitz, and a further 104 fined for not wearing a seatbelt.
“The number of people fined for things that are so easily avoidable, like using a mobile phone or failing to wear a seatbelt, also remains baffling to us,” said Ass Commr Weir.
“Police will continue to be out enforcing anywhere, anytime, so if you’re think you won’t be caught doing the wrong thing, there’s a good chance we’ll catch up with you”.
There were 168 drink drivers detected from 108,303 preliminary breath tests, and 133 drug drivers from 2,193 roadside drug tests.
The total 6,857 offences detected during Operation Tribute included:
• 2,799 speeding offences, with 2,152 of those caught speeding between 10km/h and 25/km over the speed limit
• 441 disqualified/suspended and unlicenced drivers
• 308 mobile phone offences
• 224 disobey signs/signals
• 168 drink drivers from 108,303 preliminary breath tests
• 133 drug drivers from 2,193 roadside drug tests
• 104 seatbelt offences
• 130 impoundments
• 597 unregistered vehicles
There have been two lives lost since Wednesday, with fatal collisions in Arcadia on Friday 26 April and Everton Upper on Saturday 27 April.
The total lives lost on Victorian roads in 2024 now stands at 93, compared to 101 at the same time last year.
