Last year, according to Victoria Police, November was the month with the highest rise in recorded speeding offences in the state.
Police are warning Victorians celebrating the Melbourne Cup this weekend to watch their speed on the road, as the force prepares to launch a five-day crackdown.
Operation Furlong kicks off today with police out in force across the state from 12.01am Friday, 1 November to 11.59pm on Tuesday, 5 November.
Data revealed by Victoria Police shows that last year November was the month with the biggest jump in speeding infringements for the whole of 2023, leading them to make it a focus for the state’s public holiday weekend.
Statistics show there were 11,291 speeding fines issued last November – up 17 per cent on the previous year when 9652 were recorded – and it was also the deadliest month, equal to January.
Yet almost 40 per cent of drivers caught speeding during November were travelling 15km/h or less over the speed limit, and half were between 15km/h and 25km/h over the speed limit.
Between 2pm and 4pm was the most common time for drivers to be caught speeding during November last year, with Sunday being the most common day to be detected.
“Our message this weekend is simple – it’s not a race. Leave the racing to the horses and jockeys on the racetrack – slow down and stick to the speed limit and allow plenty of travel time to reach your destination safely,” said Assistant Commissioner Road Policing, Glenn Weir.
“During Operation Furlong you can expect to see police highly visible across the state’s roads – we’ll be on the lookout for those who choose to speed, and we’ll also be conducting widespread drug and alcohol testing.”
While you might expect the state’s capital to top the list for having the most people caught speeding, number one went to Wangaratta in the Alpine region, followed by Geelong, Moorabool in the west, and the Yarra Ranges.
The areas of Ballarat, Hume, the Surf Coast, Bendigo, Wodonga and Warrnambool also ranked highly for speeding fines.
By launching the safety operation, police hope to bring down the road toll this November, after 32 lives lost were lost in the same month in 2023 – 13 over the Melbourne Cup long weekend alone.
Excessive speed was one of the most common themes contributing to fatal collisions, they said.
Last year, police issued 8373 traffic infringements during Operation Furlong, including 3246 speeding offences, while they also carried out 145,339 roadside alcohol and drug tests.
Overall, December had the highest number of speeding fines handed out, with 11,943 recorded, but November had the biggest year-on-year rise.
“Those heading to events this weekend, particularly those heading to Flemington racecourse – plan ahead, use alternative transport and do not risk drinking and driving,” Assistant Commissioner Weir added.
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