More Than 800 Drivers Busted for Booze and Drugs — Many Caught Before

Repeat offenders dominate shocking Peninsula road safety figures

More than 800 motorists were caught drink or drug driving in the Frankston and Mornington Peninsula region over the past financial year, according to Victoria Police’s latest media release, sparking renewed concern over repeat offending and reckless behaviour on local roads.

A total of 835 drivers tested positive to alcohol or drugs in the 2024–25 financial year, with 471 drug drivers and 364 drink drivers detected across the region. Key hotspots included the Peninsula Link and Mornington Peninsula Freeway, where police conducted targeted operations throughout the year.

Police said the figures were especially concerning due to the high rate of repeat offences. Over half of all drug drivers had previously been caught, and nearly one in five drink drivers had a prior offence.

Drug Driving Spike

Among drug drivers, 76% tested positive for methylamphetamine, with 60% of those repeat offenders. Alarmingly, 18% tested positive to multiple illicit substances.

One of the most serious incidents involved a 24-year-old man who was allegedly under the influence of drugs while riding an e-bike that struck and killed a 69-year-old pedestrian in Hastings in May. He has been charged with dangerous driving causing death and other drug-related offences.

Drink Driving Cases

Of the 364 drink drivers, 19% returned blood alcohol readings more than three times the legal limit, while 5% were four times over.

Notable incidents included:

• A 41-year-old man who allegedly recorded a 0.430 BAC — more than eight times the limit — after crashing into parked cars in Frankston in February.
• A 42-year-old woman who allegedly blew 0.230 after a head-on crash in Dromana in July. Her licence was immediately suspended and later disqualified for 23 months.

Latest Blitz Targets Impaired and Unlicensed Drivers

A multi-agency road safety blitz conducted on Thursday saw dozens of police units saturate Peninsula Link, targeting impaired, unlicensed, and suspended drivers. In just four hours:

• 352 breath tests were conducted, with three drivers exceeding the legal alcohol limit
• 90 oral fluid tests returned one positive drug result
• Two unlicensed and two suspended drivers were detected
• Four vehicles were impounded
• 5000 number plates scanned using ANPR technology
• 15 heavy vehicles were inspected, resulting in three load restraint breaches and three defect notices

A 20-tonne unrestrained load on one truck was among the most serious breaches.

Shocking Behaviour

Several drivers displayed blatant disregard for road safety during the operation:

• An unlicensed P-plater was allegedly drinking alcohol while driving through an RBT site, blowing 0.230. His vehicle was impounded.
• A 70-year-old woman was reportedly drinking wine from a bottle before returning a reading of 0.126.
• A tradie recorded 0.78 BAC and had his vehicle impounded.
• An unaccompanied learner driver allegedly tested positive to cannabis and will face court.

Police Statement

Detective Sergeant Stephen Boyle from the Southern Metro Division 4 Response Unit said the persistence of repeat offending was particularly troubling.

“What’s even more concerning than the sheer volume of drivers caught with alcohol or drugs in their system, is the huge percentage that have a history of this type of offending,” he said.

“Drugs and alcohol drastically reduce reaction times and lead to exceptionally poor decision making on the road. If you’re going to drink or do drugs, do not get behind the wheel. It’s that simple.”