By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
THE City of Casey has been categorised a high-priority danger area as Victoria Police launched a new campaign targeting drunk and drugged drivers.
The Summer Stay campaign was launched last Friday and will see Victoria Police engage in four vehicle operations up until the start of January, focusing on drunk and drugged driving, fatigue, speeding, driver distraction and seat belt offences.
Casey has been categorised as one of 15 high-priority areas in the state based on alcohol and drug related road trauma levels.
Frankston, Yarra Ranges, Bendigo, Warnambool, Brimbank, Geelong, Ballarat and Shepparton are also among the areas of high concern.
Superintendent Neville Taylor said suspect motorists would have their speed checked and could be stopped and tested for drugs and alcohol.
“We will be using all available resources to ensure as many people as possible stay safe and stay alive during the festive season,” he said.
“Our officers will be everywhere. You will see our buses and patrol cars on major roads and in and around entertainment districts but you will also find them on the back roads home.
“You can be caught anywhere at anytime.
“BlueNet cars and automatic numberplate recognition cameras will be deployed to ensure disqualified drivers stay off the road and to check compliance with interlock devices.”
The Summer Stay campaign will begin with Operation RAID from 14 November to 7 December, a state-wide operation targeting drunk and drugged drivers, aimed at removing all impaired drivers from the road.
It will be followed by Operation Break Up from 8 to 22 December, Operation Crossroads from 23 December and Operation Fresh Start on 4 January.
“We continue to see too many deaths and injuries as a result of bad driving behaviour,” Supt Taylor said.
“The message is and always has been pretty simple, if you are going to drink or take drugs don’t drive.
“If everyone stays alert, stays sober and stays within the limit then everyone will stay safe and stay alive.”
