Festive crackdown

THERE will be no escape for drink-drivers in Greater Dandenong this Christmas as police launch an elaborate operation to crack down on intoxicated motorists.
Springvale Police will be running Operation Impose from 2 November to 22 December in a bid to remove drunk drivers from the roads.
Police will randomly breath test motorists over extended hours in the lead-up to the busy holiday period.
Acting Sergeant Mark Robertson of Springvale Police said the end of the year traditionally saw a lot of alcohol-related events.
Act Sgt Robertson said it was important that people didn’t risk their lives – and those of others – after a few drinks.
“Choosing to drive after a few drinks presents an unacceptable risk not only to the driver and other occupants of the vehicle, but also other road users at the time,” Act Sgt Robertson said.
“Police will be using both marked and unmarked cars during Operation Impose, as well as targeting the back streets motorists might choose in an effort to avoid being detected.
“Our message is clear – if you choose to drink and drive, then no matter what time you do it or what route home you choose, we will catch you.”
The increased enforcement hours will be operating as part of the TAC’s Enhanced Enforcement program.
Operation Impose is one of a number of key enforcement activities in the program that will particularly focus on drink driving during the holiday time.
Act Sgt Robertson said removing drunk drivers from the roads would improve community safety and reduce the potential for serious or fatal accidents.
“When affected by alcohol, drivers are more likely to speed and also less likely to wear a seatbelt, both of which can have an enormous impact on the seriousness of any collision they may have,” he said.
“If you do intend to drink, organise a designated driver, have someone pick you up, or catch a taxi or public transport.
“If you are caught drink driving then you potentially face months without a licence and a fine running into the thousands of dollars, and this is only the lower end of the scale.
“The emotional cost of killing or seriously injuring someone is immeasurable.
“Drivers who do break the law can expect to face severe financial penalties as well as the loss of their licence.”