Victoria Police have put truck drivers on notice during a crackdown on dangerous driving in Melbourne’s dock precinct.
Over the past week, officers have been inspecting trucks and issuing fines for offenses such as failing to wear seatbelts, speeding, and not following road rules.
Senior Constable Cara Moody stated the increased enforcement followed a recent surge in crashes in the area.
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9News was on the scene when police pulled over a truck driver who was allegedly caught driving without wearing a seatbelt.
The 28-year-old driver received a $395 fine and had three demerit points deducted, before being allowed to continue on his way.
Moody said too many people were cutting corners when driving.
“Unfortunately we have had a high number of collisions lately due to the high number of traffic in the area,” she said.
“The ongoing road works, construction and the constant movement of freight make it a very dynamic area.”
Truck drivers were also randomly tested for drugs and alcohol and their vehicles were inspected.
“We have seen too many collisions in the area,” Moody said.
“Because of the size of the trucks, something as little as exceeding the speed limit, because all the weight they carry can have a significant impact.
Moody warned that trucks are particularly dangerous due to their weight.
“Something as little as exceeding the speed limit, because all the weight they carry can have a significant impact,” she said.
Police have issued nearly 80 penalty notices for offences including speeding, using a mobile phone, driving unlicensed and drink driving since May.
Motorists are being warned police will be actively patrolling roads around the dock in the coming months to put a stop to rogue drivers.
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