Police issued a further 120 offences to motorists travelling to and from Victorian snowfields last weekend, with over 500 offences now detected in total during the major road policing operation.
Operation Eastern Snow has seen police highly visible and enforcing on roads heading to and from Victoria's alpine areas, including Mount Buller, Falls Creek and Mount Hotham.
Last weekend, police detected 120 offences over a three-day period (14 to 16 August), including:
- 89 speeding offences
- 12 unregistered vehicles
- 6 vehicle defects
- 5 heavy vehicle offences
- 2 seat belt offences
- 2 drug drivers from 77 roadside drug tests
- 1 drink driver from 898 preliminary breath tests
- A total 41 motorists intercepted
Notably, Highway Patrol intercepted two vehicles travelling together at a fast rate of speed along Maroondah Highway at Mansfield on Friday 14 August.
The first vehicle was detected travelling at an alleged speed of 140km/h, while the second following vehicle was observed crossing over the double white lines into the oncoming lane.
The driver of the first vehicle, a 22-year-old West Australian male received a $784 penalty for speeding and 6-month licence suspension.
The driver of the second vehicle, a 24-year-old West Australian male, received an infringement for crossing over double lines ($418 and two demerit points), and subsequently returned an alleged blood alcohol reading of 0.107 and was issued a further infringement notice for drink driving and 10-month licence cancellation.
The latest detections for Operation Eastern Snow follow a further 414 offences detected by police between 24 to 26 July, and 7 to 9 August.
While police are pleased to have issued less infringements over the recent weekend than the ones prior, there are still concerns the message is not getting through to some motorists who are taking dangerous risks on roads to and from the snowfields.
Motorists are being urged to drive to the conditions, particularly during periods of poor weather and are being reminded to slow down, remain alert on unfamiliar roads and allow plenty of travel time, especially during busy periods.
All vehicles entering alpine areas during the declared snow season are required by law to carry wheel chains and fit them when instructed. Failure to carry chains may result in a $418 fine, while failing to fit them when required may attract a $1046 penalty.
Car snow chains are essential for navigating steep, icy roads and can be the difference between staying on the road or sliding off it.
Operation Eastern Snow will continue throughout the Mount Buller, Falls Creek and Mount Hotham areas for the remainder of the month.
Quotes attributable to Eastern Region Road Policing Acting Inspector, Jill McBain:
"While it was pleasing to see less detections over the recent weekend, there are still some drivers who are opting to take dangerous risks, like speeding on roads and overtaking where it's not permitted.
"Motorists heading to these regions are urged to slow down, avoid distractions and dangerous overtaking, and be mindful of driving to the conditions - remember to carry snow chains.
"Operation Eastern Snow will continue for the rest of this month and motorists heading to these areas should expect to see police highly visible and enforcing".
