More than 15,300 traffic offences have been detected during a 15-day road policing operation over the Christmas and New Year period.
Operation Roadwise, which ran from 18 December to 1 January, saw police highly visible and enforcing across the state’s roads, in an effort to reduce road trauma over the high-risk period.
There was a significant focus on impaired drivers, with 328,164 preliminary breath tests and 9,035 roadside drug tests conducted during the operation.
The total 15,316 traffic offences detected during Operation Roadwise includes 6820 speeding offences, 1131 disqualified/suspended and unlicenced drivers, 513 mobile phone offences, 835 disobeying signs/signals, 221 seatbelt offences, 659 drink driving offences, 434 drug driving offences, 279 vehicle impoundments and 1422 unregistered vehicles
There were seven lives lost on Victorian roads during the operational period (18 December – 1 January).
Road Policing Assistant Commissioner Glenn Weir said while the majority of road users have behaved responsibly on the roads over the Christmas and New Year period, the fact they’ve detected more than 15,300 offences in 15 days is unacceptable.
“We’ve seen people making deliberate and conscious decisions that significantly increases the likelihood of road trauma, putting themselves and other road users at risk,” he said.
“You might be in a hurry to reach your destination, but the reality is, you’d rather arrive five or ten minutes later than not at all – it’s simply not worth the risk.
“Similarly, those who think they can risk getting behind the wheel after drinking or taking drugs and not get caught are kidding themselves.
With many Victorians expected to take extended holidays over the January period, police are warning motorists not to be complacent on the roads in the New Year.
Police will continue to have a major presence across Victoria’s road network, with a particular focus on busy holiday hotspots around the coast and throughout regional Victoria.
Motorists are being warned to be patient and allow extra travel time, as well as maintaining a safe braking distance and being cautious when overtaking, particularly around vehicles towing caravans and heavy vehicles.
Police will also continue to conduct widespread roadside alcohol and drug testing during the summer months, with motorists warned to expect to be tested anywhere, anytime.
Ass Commr Weir said they will continue to have a major focus on impaired drivers in 2026, so expect to be tested and face the consequences when you’re caught.
“We make no apologies for this,” he said.
“Expect to see a continued police presence on the roads during the summer months as we do all we can to reduce road trauma.”
