A two-day operation targeting unsafe vehicles has nabbed hundreds of motorists doing the wrong thing in Melbourne's southeast.
Operation Hades targeted high risk driving and non-compliant vehicles, including modified vehicles used in hooning, in the Springvale and Narre Warren area over the weekend.
During the two-night operation on Friday 17 and Saturday 18 November, 345 issues were identified, including:
• 79 notices issued for defective vehicles.
• 57 vehicles failed to comply with registration standards. Each Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN) is $769, totalling $43,833.
• 412 roadside drug tests were conducted, with seven motorists testing positive to methylamphetamine or cannabis; the results of which will undergo further analysis.
• 651 breath tests were conducted, with three drivers returning a positive reading.
• 40 drivers caught speeding.
• Four drivers were caught behind the wheel while disqualified, and another three were unlicensed.
• Four drivers failed to comply with traffic sign or signal, while another four were caught using a mobile phone behind the wheel.
• 11 unregistered vehicles
• Five vehicles impounded
• A further 24 traffic offences detected
• A 25-year-old man was charged after allegedly being found in possession of a drug of dependence.
• A 19-year-old woman was arrested for allegedly assaulting a police officer. She has been released on summons.
A 17-year-old male L-plater was issued two PINs for allegedly participating in hoon behaviour, and unlawful behaviour on council land. This relates to a vehicle that was found to be defective, which then failed an EPA noise emission test.
Led by Victoria Police, the operation was supported by the Sheriff's Office of Victoria who recouped outstanding fines and clamped cars; the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) who conducted noise pollution tests and identified after-market modifications that made cars non-complaint with safety standards; and councils who enforced local laws.
The Sheriff's Office of Victoria served seven-day notices on 58 motorists relating to 953 warrants valued at a combined $436,294.
This included 16 vehicles that were clamped due to almost $185,000 of unpaid fines connected to outstanding warrants.
A total of $81,000 was immediately recouped from motorists over the two nights, with the remainder of the outstanding fines to be paid, or payment plans to be commenced within seven days.
The EPA issued 11 PINs for vehicles and motorcycles exceeding the permitted noise level -each valued at $961.
Greater Dandenong and Casey Councils issued three PINs for motorists displaying unlawful signs, and a further two for parking infringements.
Similar operations are expected in the future, as local police continue to address the road toll which has seen 19 people killed on roads in the Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia areas alone this year.
Quotes attributable to Dandenong Achilles Taskforce Sergeant Paul Holtzinger:
"Modified vehicles are often seen in hoon events in the area; many of which are not fit to be on our roads.
"They not only cause unnecessary risk on our streets, but also creates a feeling of intimidation and unease in the community.
"Police and residents are also fed up with the excessive noise emanating from these vehicles.
"We hold extensive intelligence on those connected to local hooning activities - if they decide to endanger others on the road, we'll be there waiting for them."
