Bendigo police have described as “disgraceful” the number of drink drivers caught on the region’s roads inside the past week.
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Police officers conducted about 2600 breath tests outside the Midnight Oil concert at Hanging Rock on Saturday, with 13 drivers found to have an illegal blood-alcohol content.
Two cars were seized when the drivers were detected with a BAC more than 0.1; the highest reading registered was 0.13 – almost three times the legal limit.
Senior Sergeant Ian Brooks lambasted the drivers’ behaviour, calling it “stupidity”.
“These people are the classic idiots we see the ads about,” Senior Sergeant Brooks said.
“The risk-taking by people who thought it was alright to drive home after they've been drinking was disgraceful, when you consider most people were detected on the freeway departing the venue at speed.”
The officer said it was common practice to patrol major events and plans for a police presence around Hanging Rock on Saturday were publicised ahead of the concert.
The Saturday night haul brings the region’s drink-driving tally to 18 in four days after five Bendigo Cup revellers were caught over the limit on Wednesday evening; about 1600 drivers were tested on that occasion.
“To catch that many people in four days, in our area, indicates the message isn't getting through,” Senior Sergeant Brooks said.
About 15 other traffic offences, including unlicensed drivers and unregistered vehicles, were also detected at the Midnight Oil gig.
Read more: Police urge Midnight Oil fans to drive safe
Mark Kearney
Journalist. Traveller. Pop culture connoisseur. Mark is passionate about education, the arts and social justice, especially stories affecting the LGBTI community.
Journalist. Traveller. Pop culture connoisseur. Mark is passionate about education, the arts and social justice, especially stories affecting the LGBTI community.
