Boozy hoons busted

Cops nab long weekend speedsters and drink-drivers

A DRIVER caught travelling more than 30km/h over the limit was one of nearly 100 people nabbed for speeding over the long weekend.

Police have warned they will continue to clamp down on dangerous drivers after 98 speeding motorists and 12 drink-drivers were picked up during the four-day Operation Regal.

Geelong Highway Patrol Sergeant Peter Radford said drivers who failed to heed police safety messages were endangering their lives and the lives of other road users.

He said one driver was clocked driving 134km/h in a 100km/h on the Princes Highway.

“Overall we’ve had 12 drunk drivers – which is disturbing,” Sgt Radford said.

“We’ve had nearly 100 people processed for speeding and three mobile offences.

“The 12 drink-drivers is a prime example of people not planning how to get home after a night out. They need to understand that we are out in force at preliminary breath test sites. If you plan on drinking you need to plan to get home.”

Under new laws enforced from May 1, all motorists who record a blood alcohol reading over .05 automatically lose their licence for a minimum of three months.

The new laws — funded under the $1.1 billion Towards Zero strategy — mean firsttime drink-drivers who record blood alcohol readings between 0.05 and 0.069 must now have their cars fitted with mandatory alcohol interlocks for at least six months.

“We need to reinforce that the new laws are being enforced. If you are .05 or over you will lose your licence, have to front court and have an alcohol interlock fitted,” Sgt Radford said.

“Drinking-driving is right up there as one of the top contributors to road trauma. Call a cab, call an Uber, call your parents. Don’t drink and drive.”

Across Geelong and the Surf Coast police caught two drug-drivers, four disqualified or suspended drivers, 13 unlicensed drivers, 12 motorists who disobeyed signs, four people who were not wearing seatbelt, 13 people driving unregistered vehicles and impounded three cars.

Sgt Radford said police were pleased there were no fatal crashes in the area at the weekend but were concerned that drivers continued to flout the rules.

Four people have died on the region’s roads so far this year.