Drug tests will now be part of business as usual for police in Edenhope and Harrow, following a successful trial earlier this year.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
In 2019, Victoria Police trained officers from several one-member police stations to do roadside tests, in an effort to target drug drivers.
Western Region Superintendent Peter Greaney said motorists in the west of the state should expect to be drug tested more often.
"Prior to the trial, drug testing was done predominately by specialist units, including state and local highway patrol units, the Heavy Vehicle Unit, and the Road Policing Drug and Alcohol Section," he said.
"The inclusion of these one-person stations means that drivers can expect to be pulled over for a roadside drug test anytime, so be warned - if you take drugs and drive, you will be caught."
Roadside drug testing will also be enforced in Lake Bolac, Skipton, Wycheproof, Manangatang and Stanhope.
Despite making up a little more than 20 per cent of the state's population, Mr Greaney said more than half of the lives lost on Victoria's roads were in regional areas.
"It's a sad reality that regional areas across Victoria are over represented when it comes to serious injury and fatal collisions, and drugs and alcohol are far too often underlying factors," he said.
"Police in regional areas are part of the fabric of the community and to attend collisions of people we know can be particularly devastating.
"The ripple effect in small communities can be huge - everyone tends to have some link."
IN OTHER NEWS:
Skipton's Leading Senior Constable Craig Walker said his main concern was the safety of the community.
"I want to make sure our town is safe for people to move around, motorists and pedestrians alike," he said.
Mr Walker said many of the drivers he tested early on, both locals and those travelling further afield, were surprised because they thought only highway patrol conducted roadside drug tests
"Word got around the town pretty quickly, and if that means the fear of getting caught stops those who use drugs from getting behind the wheel, then that's a good result," he said.
"The residents have been very supportive. There was a bit of interest when I first started doing the drug tests in the main street, but they want to get unsafe drivers off the roads as much as I do."
A study by Victoria Institute of Forensic Medicine found that one in four Victorian drug users admit to driving under the influence of illicit drugs.
Did you know you can receive updates straight to your inbox? To make sure you're up-to-date with news from across the region, sign up below.
If you are seeing this message you are a loyal digital subscriber to the Wimmera Mail-Times, as we made this story available only to subscribers. Thank you very much for your support and allowing us to continue telling the Wimmera's story. We appreciate your support of local journalism.
