Australia, Transport News

Boosted road police presence on Australia Day weekend

Victoria Police is once again conducting Operation Amity and will be highly visible across the Australia Day weekend

Victoria Police has kicked off Operation Amity ahead of the Australia Day long weekend, which will see police highly visible across the state’s major roads and highways.

All road users are being warned for an influx of traffic as the long weekend also coincides with the final week of school holidays.

With roads expected to be busy over the long weekend, police are urging motorists to slow down, be patient and avoid rushing by allowing plenty of extra travel time.

Widespread alcohol and drug testing will be undertaken across the state, with police set to target high risk areas including coastal holiday hotspots and major roads leading to and from popular destinations.

During last year’s Operation Amity police detected over 5200 traffic offences, including 2261 speeding offences.

Close to 80,000 alcohol and drug tests were also conducted, with 154 drink drivers and 121 drug drivers caught.

“We’re conducting Operation Amity during a particularly busy period on Victorian roads – for many of us, this will mark the last weekend of the January holiday period before returning to school or work next week.

“We’re expecting it to be busy, and so we’re asking all motorists to slow down, take it easy, be courteous to others road users, and don’t rush to reach your destination.

“Police will be highly visible across the major roads and highways between Melbourne and regional parts of the state where we know lots of people will be commuting.

“We’ll also be setting up numerous alcohol and drug testing sites across the state, and while this might slow you down on your travels, we make no apologies for this.”

Operation Amity comes after 24 lives have already been lost on Victorian roads in 2025, which is an increase from the 19 lives lost in the same period last year.

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