Nowhere to run to

When will drivers get the
FORTY-THREE drink drivers, three drug-drivers and seven disqualified or unlicensed drivers proved a ‘disappointing success’ for Victoria Police in Springvale last Friday night.
An army of police from Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia, as well as six booze buses camped at Springvale’s infamous Springvale Junction intersection that includes Springvale Road, Princes Highway, Police Road and Centre Road.
Motorists travelling on each road had nowhere to turn to get away from the booze bus as police chase cars and bikes surveyed the intersection for drivers attempting to turn down side streets.
Senior Sergeant Ken Dunlop, who headed the operation and a crack team of traffic police known as the Regional Traffic Unit, labelled the night a disappointing success.
“It was a good night as far as our personnel are concerned,” Sen Sgt Dunlop said.
“But as far as the community taking heed of the message (about drink-driving) that has been passed on countless times, the result is very disappointing.”
Sen Sgt Dunlop said people still thought they would never be caught drink-driving – a thought to which he gave this sharp reply – “you don’t know when and you don’t know where but you will be caught.”
The Star had exclusive access to Operation Crossroads and was left in awe at how well organised the operation was.
Booze buses come from a depot in Brunswick, each containing constables who will conduct preliminary breath tests, and booze bus operators who interview drunk drivers and administer a secondary, more definitive breath test.
The Regional Traffic Unit oversaw safety for the night as the booze buses tested more than 4000 people between 10pm and 4am.
Leading Senior Constable Michael Larcart said a drink driver was escorted from their car to the booze bus where they underwent a series of questions, followed by another test.
That process, he said, could take between 30 and 35 minutes.
In addition to the 43 drink drivers, police also caught three drug drivers using a ‘lick test’ method.
Sen Const Larcart, who is one of few officers qualified to administer the test, said drivers licked two small pads on a stick that was then placed onto a tester, and a water capsule broken to run through it.
The process is similar to a pregnancy tester but instead detects either methamphetamine or cannabis.
Police also caught four disqualified and suspended motorists, and three unlicensed.
They issued infringement notices for 23 traffic related offences including 13 unregistered motor vehicles.