Operation Scoreboard saw police targeting high-risk driving behaviour with increased roadside alcohol and drug testing across the state from Thursday, September 25 to Sunday, September 28.
One in every 555 drivers who were breath tested were caught over the legal alcohol limit, and one in every 20 drivers who were drug tested returned a positive result.
The 5088 offences included:
2179 speeding offences
444 unregistered vehicles
375 disqualified/suspended and unlicensed drivers
234 disobey signs/signals
192 drink driving offences from 106,519 breath tests
146 mobile phone offences
138 drug driving offences from 2775 roadside drug tests
107 vehicle impoundments
84 seatbelt offences
Road Policing Assistant Commissioner Glenn Weir said more than 5000 offences in four days meant a busy weekend for police.
“We had a major focus on drink and drug drivers this weekend, and concerningly, despite our warnings to motorists, we have again seen incredibly high strike rates for those caught over the legal limit for alcohol and drugs,” he said.
“If you think you can drink or take drugs and drive, think again.
“As we head towards the end of the year, our fleet of alcohol and drug testing vehicles will be out conducting testing anywhere, any time, and at every opportunity.”
Asst Comm Weir said it was concerning to detect so many unauthorised drivers over the weekend, and it was something police couldn’t tolerate.
“These are people who have typically had their licence removed for committing a serious offence and are continuing to drive when they shouldn’t, putting other road users at risk,” he said.
“Police will continue to prioritise road policing enforcement and doing all we can to prevent further trauma on our roads this year.”
Police are urging motorists to remain vigilant behind the wheel during the second week of school holidays, and for those travelling around the state to stick to speed limits, take plenty of breaks on long trips and avoid distractions such as using mobile phones while driving.
Local road policing enforcement will continue in high-risk areas, particularly on major highways to regional areas and around holiday hotspots.
For more information and tips, visit the road safety page on the Victoria Police website.
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