By ANEEKA SIMONIS
A YOUNG and drunken race-goer caught leaving the Pakenham Cup race day in an illegally crammed car was one of several badly behaved drivers pinged by police over the weekend.
A 21-year-old probationary driver tried to flee police when he observed a booze bus at the major exits of the Pakenham Racecourse after the day-event on Sunday 29 November.
Police said the man made a swift U-turn back into the racecourse grounds.
He was intercepted by police and returned a blood alcohol reading of 0.119 – more than twice the legal limit.
His car will be impounded for 30 days at the cost of $1060 in towing and storage fees and his licence was suspended until the case is heard in the Magistrates’ Court early next year.
Cardinia Highway Patrol Sergeant Rob Atkinson said the 21-year-old will face more than drink-driving charges in court.
“He was also driving a two-seater utility and was carrying two other passengers and himself in the vehicle,” Sgt Atkinson reported.
“It is extremely disappointing to see a young probationary licence holder that should be 0.00 provide a reading of 0.119.
“This is a blatant disregard for the road laws, himself and his unrestrained passengers and all other road users.
“Young drivers need to realise they are not invincible and these laws are in place for the safety of the whole community including themselves.”
A 49-year-old female from Bunyip was also caught out by police, returning a reading of 0.89 despite claiming she had only had two drinks during the race event.
Another race-goer was detected speeding more than 30km/h over the limit.
The driver, caught travelling at 112km/h in an 80km/h zone on Kooweerup Road in Kooweerup, received a $493 fine, lost four demerit points and had his licence suspended for a month.
Sgt Atkinson issued strict warnings to drivers as they prepare for Christmas, or the ‘silly season’.
“If you make the poor decision to drive in excess of the prescribed concentration of alcohol or with any illicit drugs in your system, we will catch you,” he said.
He was pleased to report police conducted 20 drug tests which all returned negative results.
Police tested 400 drivers for intoxication.
