A PENINSULA road-safety blitz during schoolies celebrations has led to multiple charges, including teens caught with an imitation firearm, as police target risky driving across coastal towns.
The major operation across Rosebud, Rye, and Sorrento from 27 November to 7 December saw police conduct 2500 breath tests, catching 14 drivers and seven suspended or disqualified motorists.
Officers impounded ten vehicles, issued seven infringement notices and intercepted 110 cars. Police also made 474 checks on licenced venues.
Among those charged were several teenagers including four males aged 17 and 18 with the vehicle’s owner allegedly being found in possession of an imitation firearm after being intercepted in a car in Tootgarook.
The 17-year-old driver from the eastern suburbs was charged with driving with a disqualified learner’s permit. He will face court while another 18-year-old passenger from Reservoir was given a cannabis caution. The vehicle was also impounded.
An 18-year-old man was charged with driving in a manner dangerous causing serious injury after an 18-year-old man fell from the roof of his car in St Andrews Beach.
He suffered serious head injuries and was taken to hospital. The alleged driver was bailed to appear in Dromana Magistrates’ Court on 22 January.
The teen driver was also charged with reckless conduct endangering life, and drive in a manner dangerous and careless driving.
Several drink drivers were also caught during the blitz including a 51-year-old woman from Rye who allegedly crashed her Volkswagen ute into a building before returning a positive roadside breath test of 0.184 – more than three-and-a-half times the legal limit. The incident is being investigated.
A 24-year-old Beaumaris man was also caught more than three times the legal drink-drive limit after leaving a bar in Sorrento. His vehicle was impounded, and he will be summons to court.
A 27-year-old Mount Martha woman will also face court after she allegedly blew 0.156 when she was tested at a booze bus. Her licence was suspended, with her car impounded at $1225 towing costs.
During another intercept, a 65-year-old Rosebud man allegedly returned a reading of 0.130 after leaving a pub. His vehicle was impounded and his licence suspended.
In another case, an 18-year-old Hallam man allegedly drove to fast-food restaurants with four teenagers on the roof of his car. He is expected to be charged with careless driving and driving in a manner dangerous.
The operation also saw three drivers each having their license suspended for six months with $611 fines for low-range drink driving.
Victoria Police said they would continue to have a highly visible presence in popular locations throughout the summer months, with local police supported by state-based specialist’s units including Highway Patrol, Public Order Response Team, Mounted Branch and Dog Squad, to help keep residents and visitors safe.
Mornington Peninsula divisional response unit acting detective sergeant Laura Davenport said with Christmas approaching quickly, police were pleading with motorists to make better decisions before getting behind the wheel.
“Vehicles, and drugs and alcohol do not mix. It’s frustrating and frightening to see drivers still flouting the law,” she said.
“Road trauma caused by impaired drivers is 100 per cent preventable. It simply does not have to happen. We don’t want to have to tell another family that their loved one won’t be coming home.”
First published in the Mornington News – 16 December 2025