Mornington News | STPL News | Somerville Times | Peninsula Local
Somerville, VIC — Somerville Highway Patrol officers working nightshift over the past week have processed 20 offending drivers in a busy stretch of road policing across the Mornington Peninsula.
Operating 365 nights a year, the unit rarely has a quiet shift — and the past seven nights were no exception. The two-member night crew dealt with a series of serious offences ranging from drug and drink driving to unlicensed operation and vehicle defects.
List of offences included:
- Refusing to accompany police for a blood test
- Multiple counts of drug driving and suspended driving
- Several unlicensed and disqualified drivers
- Use of unroadworthy and unregistered vehicles (many of which were impounded)
- One learner driver returning a BAC of 0.046 and failing to display L plates
- A supervising driver also caught drink driving
- Cases of speeding, false number plates, and careless driving
Among the standout incidents:
- Nine vehicles were impounded across the week.
- One person was arrested on an outstanding warrant, and another was detained for questioning.
Police also issued multiple defect notices, further highlighting concerns around vehicle safety compliance.
Somerville HWP members are not only focused on traffic enforcement, but also act as first responders to aggravated burglaries and pursuits involving stolen vehicles, particularly overnight.
The recent surge in enforcement coincides with Operation Compass, a state-wide road policing initiative targeting high-risk driver behaviour. The operation continues until Sunday 27 April.
Victoria Police is reminding all drivers to make safe decisions behind the wheel, particularly as enforcement efforts intensify in the lead-up to the end of Operation Compass.
“We’re out every night, 365 days a year,” a spokesperson said. “Our goal is simple: keep roads safe and hold offenders accountable.”
If you have information about unsafe driving or vehicle crime, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
