SPEEDING was the main offence detected by local police throughout Operation Roadwise, with drink driving also a concern, especially among probationary (P Plate) drivers.

Running over the Christmas holiday period from December 16 to midnight Tuesday, December 27, Operation Roadwise was a state-wide road operation targeting impaired and dangerous driving.

Hamilton Highway Patrol sergeant, Darren Smart said speeding was the biggest concern locally during the Christmas holiday period, however the majority of the offending was not committed by locals.

“As per usual around here the main offences detected were speeding offences - mainly by people passing through the area, not from locals, such as people travelling from Melbourne over to Robe and those sorts of warm places,” he said.

“It is disappointing.”

Five days into Operation Roadwise Sgt Smart said at least three people had been caught on local roads exceeding the speed limit by more than 25 kilometres per hour, including a learner motorcyclist who was travelling at 105km/h in a 60km/h zone.

Across the state, speeding accounted for more than a third of offences detected during the 12-day operation with a total of 4803 speeding offences recorded, of which 3753 involved motorists travelling 10 – 25km/h over the speed limit.

Research shows travelling at such speeds increases the risk of a collision causing serious injury or worse by more than 40 per cent.

Despite road users travelling at excessive speeds, Sgt Smart said police only attended one accident throughout the operation which is currently being investigated.

“Thankfully as far as road trauma goes things were pretty successful, meaning we didn’t see too much of that,” he said.

“December 23rd was the last reported collision - a single vehicle off the road.

“It was in Wallacedale off the Henty Highway, a single vehicle and single person involved, thankfully (they only sustained) minor injuries.

“Local general duties members attended that, and Highway Patrol are assisting with the investigation.”

Drink driving was also a concern during the operation, especially amongst P Plate drivers.

“A couple of drink drivers were detected within the period which is always disappointing,” Sgt Smart said.

“Anything .05 and above for full licence holders is too high.

“I am a little bit concerned we seem to be seeing a little bit of a rise in P Platers drink driving.

“It seems to be a little bit too prevalent for our liking so that will be something we will be targeting more and more to ensure that ceases.

“They’re vulnerable road users, they’re inexperienced and they perhaps don’t realise the consequences of their actions.”

Reflecting on Operation Roadwise, Sgt Smart said he was “relatively happy” with the results and the behaviour of local road users, with the focus on targeting impaired and dangerous driving continuing this year.

“Hopefully people saw an increased presence as far as police go because we were out there working,” he said.

“We’ll be continuing to have a real focus on road safety this year.

“You can be sure we’ll still be out and about … as the ad on TV says the lucky ones get caught.

“We’ll be sure (dangerous drivers) are getting tested and caught and everyone is playing their part in keeping the community safe.”