LOCAL police have been left shaking their heads after detecting 11 impaired drivers last weekend in Eldorado near a local festival.
Some 466 motorists were tested for drugs and alcohol as local and state highway patrol members conducted roadside operations on Woolshed Road and surrounding areas.
Drug and alcohol buses were strategically deployed across the area to coincide with the increased traffic due to a music festival in the area.
The operation resulted in eight drivers allegedly testing positive for illicit drugs - a detection rate of one in every 58 drivers.
Three drivers also returned blood alcohol readings (BAC) over the legal limit of 0.05 – a detection rate of one in every 155 drivers.
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All were issued infringement notices including:
• a 42-year-old man from Beechworth;
• a 51-year-old man from Panton Hill; and
• a 58-year-old woman from Coburg.
In addition to drink and drug driving offences, police issued:
• three infringement notices for unregistered motor vehicles;
• one infringement notice for unlicensed driving;
• one vehicle impoundment; and
• three defect notices for vehicle safety issues.
Victoria Police is warning motorists there will be zero tolerance to drink and drug driving, with significant penalties for those who disregard the rules.
First time offenders who were fully licenced and over 26 years old were caught with a BAC between .05 and .07 and they received a $577 fine and immediate three-month licence suspension.
The penalties increase substantially for those under 26 years of age, those required to have a zero blood or breath alcohol level, those caught for second or subsequent drink driving offences, and those caught over .07 or above – including larger fines, longer licence suspensions, alcohol interlocks, attendance at court and even jail time for the most serious offences.
Wangaratta Local Area Commander Inspector Ash Mason said they are deeply disappointed by the number of impaired drivers detected in the Eldorado area last
weekend, particularly during a time when increased traffic was expected due to a planned local event.
“Eighteen lives have been tragically lost on our local roads this year, and we are pleading with the community to take responsibility behind the wheel," he said.
“As we approach the Christmas and New Year period, police will have a major focus on impaired drivers.
Motorists can expect to be tested wherever they go, and there will be zero tolerance for drink and drug driving.
“The penalties are significant, and we make no apologies for taking impaired drivers off our roads to keep the community safe," he said.
“Victoria Police are urging all drivers to make responsible choices this holiday season to avoid tragic consequences.
"Stay safe and never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.”
