The traffic operation, conducted in High Street at Rotary Park, involved members from Bendigo Highway Patrol and Bendigo police uniform section and the Sherriff's office using Automatic Number Plate Recognition technology.

Leading Senior Constable Peter Dyer of Bendigo Highway Patrol said for the most part, police were pleased with the operation's outcomes. 

"We're certainly happy with the low number of detections for unlicensed and unregistered vehicles," he said.

"We scanned about 3000 vehicles (and) of that we prosecuted four unregistered motor vehicles, one suspended driver and issued four defect notices.

"The Sheriffs, however, detected 164 warrants totalling $82,000."

Police conducted ANPR operations at random times in different parts of the state for a reason, Leading Senior Constable Dyer said.

"We don't want people to know where we are," he said.

He said many of the fines would have remained undetected without the use of ANPR technology.

Leading Senior Constable Dyer said he was not surprised with the number of warrants detected.

He said the operation uncovered a "significant amount" of unpaid fines.

"We’re not surprised. This is often a figure we get from these operations," he said.

"For that amount to be detected in four hours is a lot."

He said drivers should not run the risk of driving unregistered or unlicensed vehicles and not ignore paying fines.

"The message is if you think you have outstanding warrants for outstanding fines, it's best you get in contact with the Sheriff’s office sooner than later, otherwise you might find yourself on side of the road with your vehicle clamped," he said.

"Do not ignore your fines, go see the Sherriff and they will help organise a payment plan."