The drivers were caught as part of Operation Roadwise - a statewide operation which aimed to reduce road trauma.

Bendigo police have conducted 335 breath tests and 20 drug tests on New Year's Eve alone.

Bendigo Highway Patrol Sergeant Mick McCrann said seven people were found with drugs or alcohol in their systems.

"We know that drugs and alcohol are a major factor in many serious injury collisions," he said. "To have this many people go over by that much is frightening."

Read more: Spate of high-speed driving along Calder Freeway prompts road safety plea

A 24-year-old Bendigo man recorded a blood alcohol reading of 0.170. His licence was immediately suspended and his car was impounded.

A 53-year-old man from Kangaroo Flat also exceed the blood alcohol limit, recording a reading of 0.136. His licence was also immediately suspended and his car was impounded.

A 25-year-old Bendigo man also had his licence suspended and car impounded after recording a blood alcohol reading of 0.127.

The three men have been charged on summons and will appear at the Bendigo Magistrates Court at a later date.

A 52-year-old woman from Bendigo also recorded a blood alcohol reading of 0.072 and received an infringement notice.

Read more: Calder Alternative is central Victoria's deadliest stretch of highway, data shows

Another 23-year-old Bendigo woman is awaiting a toxicology report after a roadside drug test.

Two other people - a 20-year-old Bendigo man and a 48-year-old woman from Castlemaine - were also charged after refusing to give an evidential breath test and oral fluid test.

Sergeant McCrann said more drivers needed to consider whether they should get behind the wheel.

"People should well know that we are targeting drug and alcohol driving," he said. "We've known now for 30 or 40 years the effects that alcohol has on driving.

"We will continue to target drugs and alcohol, but motorists need to take some responsibility.

"To those who didn't drink or drug drive, thank you for your patience. There has been a lot of drug and alcohol testing. It's for a good reason."

Fifty more people died on Victoria's roads in 2019 than the year prior. The TAC recorded 263 lives lost in the calendar year to midnight on December 31.

Four people have already died on Victorian roads this year.

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