OPERATION Amity kicked off on Thursday with an increase in the visibility of police who are enforcing across major roads and highways in Victoria in an effort to reduce road trauma over the Australia Day long weekend.

Police are warning motorists to prepare for a busy period especially with the return of school next week and are cautioning all road users to prepare for an influx of traffic as many Victorians hit the road for the last long weekend of the January holiday period.

With roads expected to be busy, police are urging motorists to avoid rushing by allowing plenty of extra travel time.

Speeding drivers will especially be a major focus for police during the operation, with excessive or inappropriate speed contributing to a quarter of all fatal collisions in 2023.

There will also be zero tolerance for drink and drug driving over the long weekend, with police saying motorists should expect to be tested at one of many alcohol and drug testing sites operating across the state.

Hamilton Police highway patrol began the weekend blitz with a booze bus on Thursday.

Road Policing assistant commissioner, Glenn Weir said Operation Amity coincided with a particularly busy period on our roads.

“For many of us, this marks the last weekend of the January holiday period before work and school goes back next week,” he said.

“(Police will) be focusing on the major roads and highways between Melbourne (and) the regional parts of the state where we know lots of people will be commuting.

“It’s going to be busy, so take it easy, be courteous to other road users, and most importantly, allow extra travel time so you aren’t speeding to reach your destination.

“Not only is speeding the most common factor in fatal and serious injury collisions, but it continues to be the penalty we issue the most infringements for – and it’s completely avoidable.

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

“We need to keep all road users accountable, and we won’t hesitate to penalise you if you’re caught breaking the road rules this weekend”.

Operation Amity began statewide at 12.01am Thursday, January 25, and will run to 11.15pm Sunday, January 28.