Police operation reveals ‘increase in high-risk drivers in Shepparton’

Shepparton police Highway Patrol Acting Sergeant Murray Moser said the ongoing operation would mainly focus on detecting driver behaviour on Friday and Saturday nights because that’s when the offending “seems to be happening”.

“There’s ongoing high-risk behaviours that seem to be increasing in the Shepparton CBD,” Act Sgt Moser said.

“Several people are being unsafe on the roads.

“They all think it’s a bit of fun, but they’re putting all other road users in danger.

“People are getting killed every day.”

One concerning statistic in particular stood out to Act Sgt Moser.

“(Drug) impaired driving is a worry,” he said.

“We had three offences in just one shift.”

Other notable statistics from the operation included seven people speeding in a 60km/h zone, two people driving while unlicensed and one learner driving without a supervising driver.

One vehicle was impounded for 30 days in relation to unlicensed driving, which will cost about $1200 to get out, Act Sgt Moser said.

He also said youth congregating in car parks on Kialla Lakes Dve and the Shepparton North McDonald’s, and “hoon behaviour”, were some of the police’s concerns.

Act Sgt Moser said the “increase in high-risk drivers in Shepparton” has resulted in “a lot of complaints from the public”, but police wanted to “reassure the community that we’re out and about”.

He urged people to come forward with any dangerous driving they see.

“Report dangerous behaviour to police, and we’ll address it as much as we can,” Act Sgt Moser said.

“We’re happy to prosecute, impound cars, and put (dangerous drivers) through the courts or impose financial penalties.”