General News
17 May, 2026
Road policing enhanced
Road users in and around Ararat, Stawell and the wider region will notice an increased and highly visible police presence on our roads, with several solo units now actively patrolling across the division.
Western Region Divisional Superintendent Dan Davison recently met with two of the solo units as they prepared to head out on patrol.
Superintendent Davison said police will be firmly targeting the major causes of road trauma, including speeding, impaired driving, driver distraction (including mobile phone use), fatigue, seatbelt offences, and unauthorised driving.
“Our priority is keeping our community safe on the roads,” he said.
“While prevention and education will always be our preference, we will take strong enforcement action where required to reduce harm and hold offenders accountable.”
St Arnaud and Yarriambiack Cluster Senior Sergeant Tim Thomson said police will be highly visible and proactive, and motorists should expect to be intercepted and tested anywhere, at any time.
“The message to all drivers is clear — make safe choices, follow the road rules, and look out for one another.”
Police say enforcement action will be taken where offences are detected, but ultimately everyone has a role to play in preventing road trauma and keeping our community safe.