√Vulnerable road users in focus as five-month police operation begins

The safety of pedestrians, cyclists, scooter riders, and motorcyclists are the focus of a new operation – one of the longest to be run by Victoria Police.

Victoria Police have kicked off a five-month operation in an effort to prevent deaths and injuries among vulnerable road users.

With pedestrians, cyclists, scooter riders, and motorcyclists accounting for almost half of all lives lost on roads in 2022, Operation Halo aims to address behaviour that contributes to the over-representation of those road users in the road toll data.

Specifically, police will be focusing on distraction offences – such as mobile phone usage – as well as speed, impaired driving, and unroadworthy vehicles, while attempting to address issues such as blocking bike lanes and pedestrian crossings.

“We want everyone to think about not only their own safety but how their behaviour can impact the safety of others,” Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Glenn Weir, Victoria Police Road Policing Command said in a media statement.

Police will focus on Melbourne, Yarra, Port Phillip, and Merri-Bek council areas initially.

Operation Halo will run until September 2023, with Victoria Police citing particular dangers during this time of year, such as wet and foggy conditions and shorter daylight hours.

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