More than 1300 traffic offences were detected in central Victoria over the Queen's Birthday weekend.
Police from Echuca to Gisborne took part in the state wide Operation Regal, which targeted fatigue, distraction, impaired driving and increased traffic on rural roads.
The operation returned 695 traffic offences and 556 speeding offences throughout central Victoria
Bendigo Highway Patrol acting senior sergeant Mick McCrann said 70 drugged or drunk drivers were found from more than 17,000 breath tests were conducted in the Western Region, which includes Campase, Goldfields, Bendigo and Macedon Ranges area.
"There tends to be a spike in terms people consuming more alcohol (on long weekends) but I wouldn't say it was up or down," he said.
"For the most part, it means 70 affected drivers been stopped along with the potential trauma that comes from (them being on the road). That's the aim of the operation and we appreciate the patience of motorists."
Police in the Western Region also impounded 13 cars and issued tickets to 13 people whow ere caught using mobile phones and seven people not wearing a seatbelt.
"Distraction is always a factor," Acting senior sergeant McCrann said. "That's 13 occasions we reasonably believe someone is using a mobile phone and we have intercepted them.
"We can measure alcohol or drug levels but for something that has occurred (like using a phone), it is hard to measure.
Victoria Police conducted Operation Regal across the state from Friday morning to Monday evening with more than 125,000 roadside breath tests and 4500 drug tests completed in Victoria.
Across the state Victoria Police found 283 drink driving offences, 204 drug driving offences, 3451 speeding offences, 159 people not using a seat belt and 414 people using a mobile phone while driving.
"Victoria Police do the best they can to reduce number fatal and serious injuries on the roads," acting senior sergeant McCrann said.
"But you can see by the number of offences, that message doesn't always get through."
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Chris Pedler
Chris has been with the Bendigo Advertiser for more than 10 years. He has great passion for the performing arts and is very supportive of the Bendigo live music scene. Outside of the news world Chris plays golf and, regardless of the result, loves watching St Kilda play in the AFL. He loves community theatre and has performed on stage with the Bendigo Theatre Company and worked with Baldrick himself, Tony Robinson. Story tips: chris.pedler@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Chris has been with the Bendigo Advertiser for more than 10 years. He has great passion for the performing arts and is very supportive of the Bendigo live music scene. Outside of the news world Chris plays golf and, regardless of the result, loves watching St Kilda play in the AFL. He loves community theatre and has performed on stage with the Bendigo Theatre Company and worked with Baldrick himself, Tony Robinson. Story tips: chris.pedler@austcommunitymedia.com.au
