Senior Sergeant Leesa Johnson said police would take a zero tolerance approach to anti-social behaviour.

“Uniformed police will be out in force along with Highway Patrol members not only policing the roads but also public behaviour,” she said.

“As we know there are a lot of really good events in Bendigo over Easter and we don’t want someone’s irresponsible behaviour to affect families and others out to enjoy the Easter break.”

Senior Sergeant Johnson encouraged people to look after their mates when drinking and plan their trip home.

“I’d like people to think about the consequences of their actions even when they are drinking and the impact it could have on people around them, their career, their family and any potential victims.”

Bendigo Highway patrol officers will launch operation Nexus on Thursday, April 13, targeting drivers over what is historically the worst time of year on central Victorian roads.

Senior Sergeant Ian Brooks said police would focus on the five key areas of road trauma - speed, drink-driving, drug impairment, fatigue and distraction.

“It won’t just be Highway Patrol - it will be every policing unit,” he said.

“We’ll have booze buses, drug buses and additional policing units coming up from Melbourne. We will be trying to keep everyone safe.”

Senior Sergeant Brooks urged drivers to be courteous, slow down and obey all speed limits, especially around roadworks.

“They are there for a reason - to protect workers and people driving on the roads and because road configurations can differ to this time last year,” he said.

“My advice to all people driving is to put your mobile phone in the glove box because that way you can’t be tempted to pick it up and you will focus on driving and not get yourself or your loved ones hurt.

“We’re just asking everyone to be patient. If it takes you an extra five minutes to get there, at least you are there safely.”