Officers will be tasked with a focus on irresponsible and illegal behaviour both on and off the region’s roads.

The operation began at 12.01am today, and will run until 11.59pm on Monday, April 21. 

Barwon LAC are deploying all available resources throughout the command to keep the roads safe during Operation Tortoise.

Barwon LAC Commander, Gelina Talbot said police would be employing all measures to ensure motorists arrived at their intended destinations safely and would not be accepting any excuses from motorists who chose to break the law.

“We intend to come down hard on those who speed, drink/drug drive, and don’t wear seatbelts. On top of this, officers will be on the lookout for fatigued drivers,” she said.

Double demerit points will be in play for a range of driving offences and motorists are urged to be patient, stay alert and take regular breaks during their trip.

Superintendent Talbot said local residents should be warned that police would not be restricted to the highways. Patrols of back roads across the command are included right across the long weekend.

Police are urging people to take extra care during the holiday period. 

Whether you are planning to travel or staying locally during the break complacency could have a significant impact on your plans.

Supt Talbot said consideration should be given to unsafe or illegal driving behaviour and this means not just you, but also consider what other road users may be doing. 

“It is not only fatal crashes that are devastating for the community and families but serious injury crashes can also leave behind a lifetime of suffering,” she said.