NEWS DESK with Stephen Taylor
On the wrong track at Hastings A MAN who police said was attempting to drive his ute off Reid Parade, Hastings and onto the Stony Point railway line early Friday 28 December has lost his licence and car. Hastings police spotted the man at midnight when his car became stuck on the tracks and had to be pulled off by a tow truck. The 38-year-old Safety Beach man – who said he was going to visit his children for Christmas – was taken to Mornington police station where he returned a blood alcohol reading of 0.243. His licence was suspended and a suspension notice was served on the ute. Media officer Senior Constable Alistair Parsons said the intercept was part of the state-wide Operation Roadwise, in which police are targeting drink-and-drug driving, speed, distraction, fatigue and failure to wear seat belts.
Concentration loss A FRANKSTON man who momentarily took his eyes off the road to secure an item behind his head veered off Stumpy Gully Road, Moorooduc, Sunday afternoon 16 December. The 42-year-old, who was driving south in a VW Amarok, ran into a Mazda sedan causing two middle aged women to lose consciousness. They were taken to The Alfred hospital for treatment.
Take it easy DRIVERS are urged to stay safe as they head off on their summer break. “It is important to be aware of the risk of fatigue and to ensure you take plenty of breaks to refresh yourself. Where possible, it’s also a good idea to share the driving,” Superintendent John Fitzpatrick said. “Fatigue is more than just nodding off at the wheel. Fatigue slows your reaction time and affects your ability to concentrate and make good decisions – both crucial to safe driving. “The best way to mitigate fatigue is to avoid driving at times when you would normally be sleeping, or if you have suffered sleep deprivation or just completed a full day’s work.” Those out late the night before a trip or who have been drinking, should not leave early in the morning. “It’s not uncommon to pull over people who are above the legal alcohol limit because of the amount they consumed
the night before,” Superintendent Fitzpatrick said.
Rosebud roster TWO of Somerville Highway Patrol’s most experienced members are working out of Rosebud over the holiday period. Leading Senior Constables Brian Bourke, left, and Mick Philistin, are familiar with the roads of the southern peninsula. “We all know how popular this area is in summer, and how busy our roads get as a result,” Leading Senior Constable Bourke said. “We’re down here to make those roads safer for everyone. Anyone who thinks they don’t have to obey the road rules this summer can think again.” The pair, above, is shown on their way to assisting other Rosebud units with an Automated Number Plate Recognition site operating in the area.
Fires from tools RECKLESS actions by those using tools or machinery during a fire danger period, or burning off without a permit, were behind almost all firerelated offences last summer. Mornington Peninsula police will implement a zero-tolerance approach to any behaviour which may cause a fire. “Police will be active in assessing their local fire risks this summer, using intelligence and local knowledge to task and resource effectively,” Assistant Commissioner Michael Grainger said. “Deliberate and reckless behaviour involving fire can result in a huge cost to the community through loss of life, destruction of property and the environment.”
End of run A MOTORBIKE rider who tried to do a runner from police ended up getting his friend’s bike impounded, Tuesday 18 December.
Burglary inquiry: Police would like to talk to a man, above, they believe may be able to provide information about an aggravated burglary at Pearcedale, Thursday 11 October. Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.
The incident occurred when Somerville Highway Patrol officers in Lyrebird Drive, Carrum Downs, spotted a motorbike with a false plate “RUNA” attached. The rider allegedly failed to stop and was clocked at more than 80kph in a 50kph zone before being pulled over in nearby Quarrion Drive. The rider, 18, of Skye, was found to have never held a licence and the bike was unregistered. He told police it was a friend’s bike, and that he hadn’t initially pulled over because he was “petrified he would be arrested and locked up”. The man will be summonsed to appear at court for speeding, riding an unregistered bike, displaying a false plate and failing to stop for police when directed. The bike was impounded for 30 days with a $1005 release fee. The penalty for failing to stop for police when directed to do so is a fine of up to $10,000, imprisonment of up to six months, and disqualification from having any licence for a minimum of six months.
units available from $200,000 1 & 2 bedroom units 287-323 bayview road, rosebud Ph: 5986 3912 www.rosebudvillage.com email: villagemanager@rosebudvillage.com PAGE 10
Southern Peninsula News
9 January 2019
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