Driver caught using phone, drink-driving with kids in car

State Highway Patrol officers have impounded the vehicle of a 45-year-old Edithvale man on 22 December.

Initially intercepted on Mornington Peninsula Freeway at Patterson Lakes for using a mobile phone whilst driving, the man was also allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol, with his 8 and 10-year-old children in the back seat.

He alleged returned a reading of 0.148 and had his licence immediately suspended.

His car was impounded for 30 days at a cost of $1390.

The man is expected to be charged on summons for drink-driving and using a mobile phone whilst driving.

This impound forms part of Operation Roadwise, a statewide road policing operation during the high-risk Christmas period.

Police are targeting impaired driving, speed, distraction and fatigue in high-risk areas throughout metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.

"Drink driving is simply unacceptable at any time. But in the middle of the day, during the festive season, with children in the car is just despicable."

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