Blitz begins on Melbourne freeways

Victoria's Operation Horizon has kicked off and is targeting unruly and impatient behaviour on major freeways in Melbourne and Geelong

Victoria Police has announced the start of Operation Horizon, with officers scanning major metropolitan freeways in Melbourne and Geelong during peak times over the next fortnight.

Roads targeted include the Hume Freeway, Princess Freeway, Tullamarine Freeway, Calder Freeway, Western Ring Road, Eastlink, Monash Freeway, Eastern Freeway and the Geelong Ring Road.

Acting Superintendent David Griffin said heavy volumes of traffic on major arterial roads, combined with impatience, sometimes led to drivers taking unnecessary and unacceptable risks.

“During the peak hour rush, people are often in a hurry, creating unnecessary stress and a sense of panic that causes errors in judgement,” he said.

“We’ve had a horrendous start to the year and the last thing we need is more tragedy on our roads, particularly leading into the Easter and ANZAC Day periods, which are critical times for the community in terms of road trauma risk.

“During Operation Horizon people can expect to see a strong police presence on our roads. People who have not planned their journey properly, or who are running late for work, can become impatient and are more inclined to take shortcuts, or engage in risky behaviour to try to make it to their destination on time.

“Tailgating and using technology while driving are also common offences we see during these times. We are asking people to take a deep breath, slow down and ensure they arrive at their destination safely.

“Running late for work or being in a hurry to get home is no excuse for doing the wrong thing.”

Operation Horizon will run until April 11, 2014.

Blitz begins on Melbourne freeways

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