Victoria Police will be out in force across Melbourne and regional Victoria over the Grand Final long weekend to help keep people safe and save lives on our roads.
Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Police and Emergency Services Lisa Neville joined Victoria Police, the AFL and the Melbourne Cricket Club today to announce police will boost their presence for the long weekend to ensure everyone can celebrate safely.
Police will have a strong presence both inside and outside the MCG, as well as on nearby roads, car parks, train stations and other public venues. Footy goers are encouraged to enjoy the weekend but are reminded that anti-social behaviour won't be tolerated.
Operation Scoreboard will also begin on Thursday night, with all available highway patrol members, local police officers and specialist resources to hit the roads as part of a four-day, state-wide road safety campaign.
Police will be ramping up their efforts to take dangerous, distracted and impaired drivers off our roads. They will be supported by specialist resources including alcohol and drug buses, the highway patrol, heavy vehicle unit, the solo unit motorcycles and the operations response unit.
There has been a 29 per cent increase in the number of lives lost when compared to the same time last year with 207 fatalities, including 117 on regional roads.
The Andrews Labor Government is working to reduce deaths and injuries on our roads, recently investing more than $120 million to boost enforcement and investigate new technology to target distracted and speeding drivers.
This follows the Government's $1.4 billion investment in improving roads and safety infrastructure in Melbourne and regional Victoria.
An additional 3135 new police are being deployed across the state by 2022 as part of the government's $3 billion investment in Victoria Police, which is also delivering more roadside drug tests and Automatic Number Plate Recognition technology across the highway patrol fleet.
As stated by Premier Daniel Andrews
"The Grand Final is the biggest sporting event in the country, and we want it to be safe and enjoyable for everyone."
"Whether you're in town soaking up footy fever or heading away for the long weekend, police will be out in force helping to keep us safe."
As noted by Minister for Police and Emergency Services Lisa Neville
"No matter what you're doing to celebrate the long weekend, a highly-visible police force will be working hard to keep you safe. Have fun, but know that if you do the wrong thing, it won't be tolerated."
As noted by Minister for Road Safety Jaala Pulford
"Whether you're heading to the 'G, the pub or a friend's place to watch the game, take care when you're crossing the street and walking near trams."
