Victoria Police are planning to carry out 120,000 roadside breath tests over the Melbourne Cup long weekend.
Operation Furlong runs from 12:01am on Friday, November 3 until 11:59pm on Tuesday, November 7.
The anticipated 120,000 breath tests is close to double the number carried out over the corresponding weekend in 2022.
Victoria’s road toll is sitting at 237 to date in 2023, just four shy of the figure for all of 2022.
“With increased testing capacity, we’re anticipating to conduct almost double the amount of roadside alcohol tests this year during Operation Furlong,” said Road Policing Assistant Commissioner, Glenn Weir.
“This means that for those who make a poor decision to drink and drive, it’s even more likely you’ll be caught and face significant and costly consequences.
“Drinking and driving simply don’t mix – we need everyone to completely separate the behaviour.
“If you’re planning to have a drink this Cup weekend, then don’t drive. Plan ahead, leave the car at home, arrange a designated driver, or utilise public transport or rideshare services.”
Driver older than 26 caught with a blood alcohol content (BAC) between 0.05 and 0.07 will be fined $577 and have their licence suspended for three months.
