A HIGH number of people were caught speeding by Bendigo Highway Patrol during a 13-day road blitz, a period in which 12 people died on Victoria’s roads.
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Acting Sergeant Dave Sanders said 14 of the 140 speeding drivers Highway Patrol nabbed during Operation Nexus were travelling more than 25km/h over the legal limit, an offence that leads to loss of licence.
One hundred motorists were driving 10km/h to 25km/h over the limit.
Acting Sergeant Sanders said the number of people caught speeding was greater than in previous operations.
People were in a hurry and neglected to pay attention to changing speed zones, signs and roadworks, he said.
Across Victoria, police officers detected nearly 7000 speeding offences.
In this policing division – stretching across central Victoria – a total of 942 offences were committed on the roads, with 39 people found driving drug or alcohol-affected.
Of the 360 offences detected by Bendigo Highway Patrol, three involved people using a mobile phone while driving and two had neglected to wear a seatbelt.
These offences came during a time that saw 12 people killed on the state’s roads, among them a man at Goornong last Friday afternoon.
Road Policing Command Acting Deputy Commissioner Doug Fryer said the number of lives lost on the roads during the operation was tragic and unacceptable.
“The reasons vary, but in some of the collisions my members are looking at factors such as speed, distraction, inattention, no seat belt, fatigue, suspended licences and alcohol as part of their investigations,” Mr Fryer said.
“All of which could have been avoided; we as police can’t be everywhere, that is where the onus must go back onto all road users, to police themselves when on the roads.”
Acting Sergeant Sanders said the numbers of people found using a mobile phone and not wearing a seatbelt were lower than usual in the Bendigo area.
He said there were also 40 people caught driving unregistered vehicles and 20 driving unlicensed in this area
Acting Sergeant Sanders said an unregistered vehicle involved in a collision would not be covered by insurance, so people needed to check they were registered.
This can be completed free at the VicRoads website.
Seventy-three other offences, such as failing to obey road signs, were also detected during the operation.
Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
