New radars to help catch Christmas speedsters

25 Nov 2009

MEDIA RELEASE: 25th November 2009

The TAC has put the community on notice that Victoria Police will be deploying Moving Mode Radars (MMRs) and pro-lite lasers to detect speeding drivers in the lead up to Christmas.

The new radars are featured in the TAC's latest advertising campaign launched today.

"This is the first time that Victoria Police has used moving mode and pro-lite radars in a high profile enforcement operation," said Acting Superintendent Steve Frost.

"The radars will be particularly handy tools in regional areas where there is a perception that drivers are less likely to be caught speeding in the country."

Significant holiday periods mean higher volumes of traffic on Victoria's major highways and arterial roads and therefore a higher risk of crashing. Historically the last 12 days of the year have resulted in the highest road fatalities for the year, with an average of 16 deaths.
Acting Superintendent Frost said, "Christmas is considered the peak holiday season and a time when people start to wind down, relax and party. But it's not a time to relax your driving behaviour, by putting your foot down on the accelerator."

"Police will be out in force with radars in hand to help ensure your Christmas is not wrecked by idiots speeding on our roads."

Operation RAID started on 20 November and involves a highly visible police presence targeting impaired drivers, especially local people on local roads. RAID will be followed by Operation Aegis running into the New Year. More than 200 Moving Mode Radars will be deployed around the state as part of these Operations.

TAC Executive Manager of Community Relations, Mr Phil Reed said at the launch of the campaign, "Senior Constable Megan De Winne sends a strong message to would-be speedsters in our latest ad. She says it all: it's just not worth speeding because we will catch you before someone gets hurt."

Between 18 November and 25 December 2008, there were 38 deaths on Victoria's roads.

"We estimate that at least a third of these deaths were caused by speeding drivers. By simply slowing down, fewer families will be grieving for loved ones as we head into 2010," said Mr Reed.

The TAC Christmas Enforcement campaign involves a series of four ads running on TV, radio, outdoor billboards and online until 3 January 2010. The second part of the series starts tonight, featuring Senior Constable Megan de Winne demonstrating the use of the new radars.

The 2009 road toll at midnight on 24 November 2009 stood at 261, compared with 274 at the same time last year.

View the road Toll Statistics 

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Media contact:

TAC Senior Communications and Media Adviser Amanda Bavin 0439 567 249.