AN operation headed by Wallan Highway Patrol targeting high-risk drivers has resulted in three arrests and eight charges laid.
Police say Operation Brake Point, which ran from June 1 to August 31, was designed to target reckless drivers in and around the Kilmore, Wallan and Upper Plenty areas after locals got fed up with persistent hooning.
A 21-year-old man from Broadford was charged following an incident in Kilmore related to high-risk driving behaviour and charged with several offences relating to improper control and unsafe use of his vehicle.
He was intercepted by highway patrol on a separate occasion and additionally charged with driving while disqualified.
He’ll appear at Seymour Magistrates’ Court in January and February next year.
A 25-year-old man from Wallan and a 20-year-old man from Tallarook were also arrested by Wallan Highway Patrol as part of the operation.
The 25-year-old was charged with driving with a suspended license and will appear in Broadmeadows Magistrates’ Court in January next year.
The Tallarook man was interviewed about alleged reckless conduct endangering life as part of an investigation into a hoon meeting in Upper Plenty in March, but was released pending enquiries.
Wallan Police Acting Senior Sargeant Stephen Solyom said, like the residents, the local cops are also fed up with hooning in the area.
“Our highly visible response not only has held alleged offenders to account, but it also deterred would-be hoons from also making the same mistake,” he said.
“We will continue to target hoons who recklessly put themselves, their passengers and other road users in danger.”
As part of this operation, local police and highway patrol units also conducted 1200 breath tests and conducted hundreds of vehicle checks.
A total of 140 fines were issued for offences including speeding, impaired driving, unregistered vehicles and unlicensed driving.
Police say similar operations will be conducted in the future.
