Victoria Police today unveiled its latest weapon to combat the state’s road toll.
Twelve S.M.A.R.T (Special Mobile Anti Road Toll) cars will operate throughout Victoria over the coming holiday period, providing a highly visible police presence on the roads.
The vehicles are Holden SS Commodores dressed in eye-catching fluorescent "Hyper Mica" paint and prominent police chequered bands running down each side.

Assistant Commissioner (General Policing) Noel Perry said the purpose of the new vehicles was to raise road safety awareness and remind drivers that police would be cracking down on the main killers of Victorian drivers.
"The Christmas/New Year period is traditionally one of the busiest on our roads, re-enforcing the need to be mindful of speeding, drink-driving and fatigue.

"Four hundred and twenty-nine drivers have died on Victorian roads this year - 36 more than the same time last year, highlighting the need for drivers to be aware of the consequences of their actions.
"With these new highly visible cars we are sending out the message that police will be out in force ensuring everyone reaches their destinations safely," he said. Commander (Traffic Operations Support) Bob Hastings said the new vehicles would be particularly visible at night. "The colour and labelling on the new vehicles has been specifically designed to attract drivers’ attention. "We are hoping these new conspicuous cars will keep road safety fresh in driver’s minds at one of the busiest times of the year on our roads," Commander Hastings said. "We are determined to get the message out there that it is up to road users to ensure both themselves and other drivers do not end this holiday period in tragedy.

"We want people to ‘Arrive Alive’ at their destinations this year."

The vehicles will be used 24 hours a day, seven days a week over the Christmas/New Year period in both country and metropolitan areas. Commander Hastings said the concept would be evaluated on its effectiveness during the coming months for possible future use.
Ben Piscioneri
Media Officer
13 December, 2001