NSW Police and their Victorian counterparts have identified nearly thirty thousand traffic violations during these holiday blitz periods, demonstrating their strategy of enforcement supplemented by visibility operations. These operations show the authorities’ intent to counter reckless driving and protect all motorists, even those traveling on the state border.
| Data Type | NSW & VIC Blitz (Holiday) |
|---|---|
| Total Offences | ~30,000 |
| Speeding | 7,631 |
| Drink Driving | 668 |
| Drug Driving | 535 |
| Road Fatalities | 16 (Vic, period reported) |
Massive Cross-Border Police Blitz
Over the Christmas and New Year period, police of New South Wales and Victoria engaged in the enforcement of laws and other activities, leading to the detection of almost thirty thousand traffic violations. These border operations concentrated on high-risk behaviors, which included driving over the speed limit, driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, and using mobile phones. In some instances, the use of random breath tests and drug tests, along with license control checks, were displayed in conjunction with patrols. This combination was used to heighten deterrent potential to offenders.
Key Offences and Enforcement Results
During the course of an eighteen-day campaign, Victoria Police recorded 19,386 traffic violations with 7,631 of them categorized under speeding, 668 under alcohol driving, and 535 under drug driving. In New South Wales, the police, during Operations RAID and Furious, conducted over 87,000 breath tests and more than 9,000 drug tests. These operations led to the capture of hundreds of motorists engaged in reckless driving. Offences of using mobile phones, not wearing seat belts, not wearing protective helmets, and issues of vehicle registration were also major targets.
Road Safety Impact and Deterrence
Broad public activities have demonstrated their capability of conveying tangible messages to the public in an efficient manner. Assistant Commissioner of Police Victoria, Weir Glenn, brought attention to the growing number of intentional law violations, most noted in cases of speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol. Fatalities from road crashes remain a concern, often associated with reckless behaviors, hence the need for enforcement and public education efforts.
Public Participation and Other Significant Cases
Cohesive efforts of the public alongside the police was illustrated in a remarkable case in NSW where other road users assisted in the apprehension of a dangerously driving and later arrested for high range drink driving. Another operation in Victoria combined the enforcement of road traffic and drug law violations, affirming the enforcement of road safety and crime nexus.
Sustained Attention of Police
The police chiefs in both states have indicated that primary blitzes on holidays are the minimum. NSW Minister for Police reiterated that the burden of deterrence rests on the individual and that they should be encouraged to drive for the purpose of adhering to the road rules. Victoria Police has promised continued monitoring of road users with emphasis on impaired and reckless driving and that further operations are planned to reduce the road toll in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What was the blitz aimed to achieve?
Lowering the number of fatalities by addressing speeding, drunk/drug driving, and use of mobile phones while driving.
- How many breath/drug tests were administered?
More than 87,000 breath tests and 9,000 drug tests in NSW alone during a 3-day period. [3]
- Will police continue with these operations?
Yes, further consecutive blitzes together with expanded random checks will be used in the future to enhance road safety.
