Campaspe police expressed serious concern after catching multiple drink drivers during early morning hours over the Australia Day weekend.

The Campaspe Highway Patrol conducted intensive patrols from January 23 to 26. This was part of Operation Amity, a statewide police campaign that detected more than 5500 offences across Victoria.

Campaspe Highway Patrol leader Sergeant Andy Neal said the number of local drivers caught drink driving in morning hours was particularly alarming.

“Some people complain when we’re out early in the morning, but it’s clearly needed,” Sgt Neal said.

During the weekend operation, officers intercepted a 32-year-old Bendigo woman travelling at dangerous speeds on Loddon Mallee Hwy on Sunday, January 25.

Police recorded her speed at 139km/h in a 100km/h zone, south of Serpentine — nearly 40km/h over the legal limit.

She received a penalty notice and an immediate six-month licence suspension.

Mr Neal said the penalty matched the severity of the conditions on the day she was driving, including the wind and the heat.

Statewide there were 214 drink-driving offences detected from 89,835 preliminary breath tests, and 154 drug driving offences detected from 2441 roadside drug tests.

Victorian Road Policing Assistant Commissioner Glenn Weir described the drink driving numbers as deeply troubling, particularly given the high-range readings recorded.

“We continue to see far too many people making poor choices and opting to drink or take drugs and then drive,” he said.

“If you think you can drink or take drugs and drive — think again.

“With warm weather set to continue, police will continue to be out conducting alcohol and drug testing anywhere, any time, and motorists should expect to be tested — and you will be caught.”

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