POLICE will be using specialist number plate technology and roving checkpoints to ensure people from locked down areas do not enter regional Victoria.
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Deputy Commissioner Rick Nugent said there would be 200 officers enforcing the regional-metro border when most of the state moves out of lockdown at 11.59pm on Thursday.
"Some people in Greater Melbourne may be tempted to head into regional areas for all sorts of reasons - whether that's visiting a café or having a pub meal," Mr Nugent said.
"As a result of that, we are committed to ensuring that Victoria Police protects the regional area so that we don't get the spread of the virus into those areas."
Mr Nugent said there would not be permanent police checkpoints set up along the border like there was in 2020.
Instead, the 200 police officers would patrol the seven main regional arterials and back roads in a "highly visible" operation.
Mr Nugent said police would also use specialist number plate recognition technology, along with random roving checkpoints and booze buses.
The deputy commissioner said local police would target key tourist areas.
Mr Nugent warned residents from locked down areas that if they were caught sneaking into regional Victoria without a permitted reason, they would receive a $5452 fine.
"That's a huge fine for just heading into the regional areas for a café or restaurant meal," he said. "Please don't do it."
Premier Daniel Andrews implored those in Greater Melbourne and Shepparton to do the right thing.
"If you don't have a lawful reason to go to regional Victoria, then please do not go to regional Victoria," he said.
"You'll simply take the virus with you. That's not a theoretical thing. We have seen people doing the wrong thing and taking the virus to regional Victoria.
"We don't want that. Regional Victorians have given a lot. They have achieved a lot too. Let's safeguard that."
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Tara Cosoleto
Journalist covering courts and general news at the Bendigo Advertiser.
Journalist covering courts and general news at the Bendigo Advertiser.
