Police to target road safety this weekend

VICTORIA Police are warning road users to take care when travelling this long weekend as a statewide policing operation rolls out.

Aimed at reducing trauma on the roads, Operation Regal will include a strong police presence on local roads with a focus on speed, driver distraction and driving under the influence.

Torquay Senior Sergeant Adrian Bickley said the road toll for 2025 to date is higher than what it was at the same time last year, with police to maintain a strong presence on Surf Coast roads across the weekend. “You’ll see us out and about… not just uniform, we’ll have Highway Patrol down here as well and all committed to ensuring that our road users get to where they need to get safely.”

Motorcyclists will also be targeted this long weekend following a sharp increase in rider fatalities, something that’s being looked at from a statewide perspective.

The ultimate aim for this weekend for Victoria Police is for everyone to get to their destination and reduce road trauma, hoping to get through the three days without any lives lost.

Snr Sgt Bickley is also encouraging all road users to drive to the conditions this long weekend, with conditions expected to be cold and wet.

“It’s been a very dry year so far, so drivers may be unsure in regards to how to drive in wet conditions. Be mindful of that.

“We’ve had the roads dry for so long that the roads may be slippery and wet and we need to ensure that people are driving to those conditions.

“If you’ve got long distances to travel, make sure that you have regular breaks, to ensure you get there safely.”

As numbers increase over the weekend, residents choosing to stay home are reminded to lock their homes and cars, and people enjoying the local offerings should be prepared to make their way home safely in light of clear messaging around drink driving.

“If you’re going to a restaurant or a pub or going out to see a band, just make sure that you think about how you’re going to get home,” Snr Sgt Bickley said.

“If you’ve had a few, don’t jump in the car because there’s a very good chance that you might get stopped by one of my members and we’ll get to say hello, and it might not be a hello that you want.”