Police will be out in force over the Australia Day long weekend.
Operation Amity will be conducted from today until midnight on Monday.
The four-day operation will target speed, fatigue, impaired driving, distraction offences and seatbelt compliance.
A statewide initiative, Operation Amity will be conducted throughout all operational police regions, including East Gippsland.
Unit Commander for Bairnsdale Highway Patrol, Sergeant Dwayne Morrison, said the aim of the operation, in addition to detecting offences, will be to provide a highly visible and mobile police presence.
“We want to reinforce positive driving behaviors and lessen the incidence of road trauma,” Sgt Morrison said.
Police expect East Gippsland to be busy over the long weekend.
With fine weather forecast for the long weekend, an influx of tourists is expected.
“We still have campers in the area, so I think we can expect an increase in traffic coming and going because it’s the last big break before Easter,” Sgt Morrison said.
He says given it’s summer and a long weekend, there’s likely to be more people inclined to consume alcohol.
However, Sgt Morrison warns police will be conducting random preliminary breath tests from marked and unmarked vehicles so drinking and getting behind the wheel of a vehicle would be an unwise decision.
“Fortunately, there’s more consideration for drink driving, but we will also be on the lookout for those thinking of doing drugs and driving too,” he said.
Senior Sergeant Matt Jenkins, of Lakes Entrance Police, said while East Gippsland had dropped off the high risk list in regards to fatalities and serious injuries due to road trauma over the Australia Day long weekend, police would still be vigilant.
“We will definitely have increased visibility with police on the roads,” Snr Sgt Jenkins said.
“We’re expecting an increase in traffic as people come beachside for the long weekend, so please be patient on the roads and exercise care.”
