Operation Scoreboard kicks off for AFL Grand Final weekend

Police are ramping up enforcement on Victoria’s roads across the AFL Grand Final long weekend following a spate of tragic deaths over the period last year.

Operation Scoreboard will run statewide from 12:01am Thursday 23 September to 11:59pm Sunday 26 September, with a focus on speeding and impaired driving.

Five lives were lost over the Grand Final long weekend last year while there were more than 120 collisions which resulted in injury.

Police are determined to avoid a repeat of the same tragic loss of life.

Last year also saw some Melburnians breaking the ‘no visitors to your home’ restrictions during Grand Final weekend celebrations, and police are warning against the same behaviour.

More than 110 drivers were detected for alcohol and drug offences over the Grand Final weekend last year despite lockdown restrictions in metropolitan Melbourne.

While travel restrictions remain in metropolitan Melbourne due to COVID-19, police warn drivers not to underestimate the danger on the roads despite reduced traffic.

Those drinking are urged to think twice before getting behind the wheel, especially with a long day of celebrations given the evening game kick off.

Relaxed travel restrictions in regional Victoria mean more motorists are expected on rural roads

Motorists are urged to slow down, take extra care on unfamiliar roads and take regular breaks if travelling longer distances.

Operation Scoreboard will involve general duties and road policing units with support from the State Highway Patrol, Heavy Vehicle Unit, Road Policing Drug and Alcohol Section and Public Order Response Team.

166 lives have been lost on Victoria’s roads so far this year, with 14 recorded this month.

For more information and tips for staying safe on the roads this long weekend, visit the Road Safety page on the Victoria Police website.

Quotes attributable to Assistant Commissioner Road Policing, Glenn Weir:

“If you decide to drink and drive on Grand Final day there’s no guarantee you’ll live to hear the final siren

“We know after a trying year many Victorians are looking forward to celebrating the biggest day on the footy calendar. We encourage everyone to have a great day and support their team. But don’t let this be a day your loved ones remember for all the wrong reasons.

“We will be conducting alcohol and drug tests at every opportunity. While we won’t hesitate to take dangerous drivers of our roads we ask all Victorians to make smart decisions this weekend.

“The consequences of driving whilst impaired are catastrophic and we’ve seen far too many tragedies already this year.”