Police launch nationwide speed blitz

Police across Australia have launched a 24-hour nationwide speeding blitz to catch dangerous drivers.

Police across the nation have joined forces for a one-day crack down on speeding drivers, in response to the statistic that three people lose their lives on Australia's roads every day.

The 24-hour operation started at midnight on Wednesday with officers out in force on the nation's roads to catch speeders and educate the public, Victoria Police said.

Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Doug Fryer said even drivers doing the speed limit may be stopped if they aren't driving to the conditions.

"Even if the posted speed is 60 or 80, if the roads are wet and slippery or the visibility is poor, it may be that you get pulled over just to have a chat," Mr Fryer told reporters on Thursday, 11 hours into the blitz.

"The posted speed is absolutely not the recommended - it's the maximum.

"For every five kilometre increase in a 60km/h zone your chance of being involved in a crash doubles."

People driving at dawn or in fog, rain and dust should reduce their speed below what's on the road signs, police say.

Federal Transport Minister Darren Chester said he has seen first hand at a crash test laboratory what can happen when vehicles crash at speed.

"Last year 1300 people died on Australian roads and I simply don't accept that we have to repeat that year on year," Mr Chester said at the launch.

Operation Safe Speeds runs until midnight on Thursday.


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Source: AAP



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