By AIDAN KNIGHT

 

Victoria Police held a press conference at Morwell Police Station this morning, announcing another year of Operation Scoreboard, the annual policing exercise enforcing harsh penalties on the road over the Grand Final Weekend.

Speaking to media present was Inspector Mel McLennan, who gave details on the state-wide crackdown on unsafe behaviors.

Operation Scoreboard will run from Thursday, September 25 to Sunday, September 28, 2025, with officers deployed on major arterial and feeder roads throughout Victoria as the public celebrates the AFL equivalent of the Superbowl.

“Don’t drink and drive”, McLennan said, delivering a straightforward message for those celebrating. Police will use multiple enforcement techniques, including what McLennan described as “one tool in the toolkit” – speed cameras and camera cars. “We have a responsibility. We own the road trauma,” she emphasized.

Police will use a multi-pronged approach, including:

  •  Random breath testing
  • Booze buses
  • Marked and unmarked vehicle patrols
  • Hidden vehicles stationed
  • Speed camera enforcement

“There’ll be as many people rostered on over this weekend as we have available to make sure that we saturate our roads 24 hours a day”, Inspector McLennan said.

The consequences for offenders are severe, meaning you don’t have to cause a fatality to change your life if you do offend. Inspector McLennan highlighted the broader impact: “It affects licenses. It affects lives.”

Potential consequences for offenders are more than just a red card, including:

  • 30-day vehicle impoundment
  • License suspension
  • Significant financial penalties
  • Possible imprisonment

Her final message captures the operation’s core intent: “Don’t be a fool on the road. Slow down, be considerate of other drivers. Take your time. Arrive safely.”

Interceptor McLennan could not comment when asked by the Express if Victoria Police employs people purely to come up with creative names for each policing Operation they undertake, and if there were any positions vacant in this area. “We are very imaginative”, she said before it was compared to the naming process of individual Dulux paint colors.

The operation will conclude at 11:59 PM on Sunday.