Police have caught 90 drivers allegedly speeding or under the influence of alcohol or drugs during a three-month operation targeting high-risk driving across the Goulburn Valley.
Shepparton Highway Patrol officers ran the operation between March and June, with 124 drivers receiving a penalty notice or a date at court for driving offences.
Police detected 78 speeding drivers, including six motorists caught allegedly travelling more than 25km/h over the limit, which carries an automatic licence suspension.
Among the highest speeds recorded:
• A 48-year-old man from Cosgrove was recorded allegedly travelling at 143km/h in a 100km/h zone on the Midland Highway.
• A 31-year-old man from Merrigum was recorded allegedly travelling at 140km/h in a 100km/h zone on MacIsaac Road.
• A 34-year-old man from Mooroopna was recorded allegedly travelling at 129km/h in a 100km/h zone on MacIsaac Road.
• A 39-year-old man from Kialla was recorded allegedly travelling at 113km/h in a 60km/h zone on River Road Shepparton.
• A 71-year-old woman from Mooroopna was recorded allegedly travelling at 107km/h in an 80km/h zone on the Midland Highway.
• A 32-year-old man from Grahamvale was recorded allegedly travelling at 90km/h in a 60km/h zone on Grahamvale Road.
Nine drivers tested positive for illicit drugs, with one driver also returning a blood alcohol reading (BAC) over the legal limit of 0.05.
Police also caught 16 people driving while holding a disqualified, suspended or cancelled licence, four drivers not wearing seatbelts, and three motorists using mobile phones while driving. Three vehicles were impounded, and 12 defect notices issued.
Anyone with information about unsafe or illegal driving is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Quotes attributable to Sergeant Janne Kennedy - Shepparton Highway Patrol:
"It is absolutely staggering that some drivers think it's acceptable to drive at these speeds on Victorian roads. That is not a mistake - that's a blatant disregard for human life."
"People who drive like this are gambling with lives - theirs and everyone else's on the road.
"If you're caught driving at these speeds, you can expect to lose your licence, your car, and in many cases, face court.
"We want everyone to get home safely, and we'll continue doing everything we can to keep dangerous drivers off our roads."
