Victoria Police will target holiday hotspots and dangerous drivers as part of a 24-day campaign to keep road users safe this festive season.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Lisa Neville joined Victoria Police to announce the statewide road campaign, Operation Roadwise after a tragic year on State roads.
“Since the start of the year, 253 people have lost their lives on our roads – 52 more than the same time last year,” Ms Neville said.
“Each year, Victoria Police inscribes the names and ages of each person killed on Victorian roads on a bauble to hang on the Lives Lost Christmas tree to mark every loss,” she said.
“The baubles are a reminder that it’s not just numbers – it’s people and families that will not be sharing Christmas together.”
Ms Neville said Operation Roadwise would target dangerous driving, “drug driving” and irresponsible behaviour on State roads from 13 December to 5 January.
She said police would be out in force at popular holiday destinations in metropolitan and regional parts of the state.
“We want to see all Victorians drivers make the right choices this Christmas and New Year period.”
“If you speed, use your phone behind the wheel or drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you will be caught,” Ms Neville said.
