Third Team of Stars Hitting the G on Grand Final Day

30 Sep 2011

MEDIA RELEASE: 30 September 2011

Wearing their traditional blue strip, a third team of stars ready to catch drink drivers will descend on the MCG for the Grand Final tomorrow.

Victoria Police will set up Operation Sapphire with multiple booze buses around the MCG and run breath testing operations across the state to ensure footy fans get home safely and dangerous drivers are kept off the roads.

The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) today joined police in warning all footy fans to prepare early for tomorrow's big game to ensure their celebrations can be enjoyed safely.

TAC Road Safety Manager, Samantha Cockfield, said a particular road safety emphasis was placed on Geelong fans traveling back down the Princes Highway after tomorrow's game.

"Win, lose or draw, the most important result is that every footy fan gets home safely tomorrow night," Ms Cockfield said.

Booze buses will be strategically placed in footy hot spots in and around Melbourne and Geelong, with roaming marked and un-marked cars covering other areas.

Victoria Police Road Policing Acting Superintendent, Martin Boorman, said everyone should remember that every police car was a booze bus.

"It doesn't matter what time of day it is, or where you are, we could be there to catch you – so why take the risk?" A/Supt Boorman said.

Ms Cockfield urged everyone planning to party tomorrow to find out about public transport routes, nominate a friend to be the designated driver or catch a taxi home.

"Whatever you do, plan your trip home before the ball bounces tomorrow," she said

To reinforce its planning message, in the lead up to the Grand Final the TAC has this year run competitions on Facebook for entrants to win $50 taxi vouchers, encouraging young Victorians to leave their cars at home.

With school holidays underway, the TAC and Victoria Police are taking the opportunity to again remind all motorists to stay safe on the roads this month.

Last year during these holidays, 17 people were killed – a large increase on the year before when six lives was lost.

"Just as the Cats and Pies will give it their all tomorrow, we are asking the same of the motoring community to give their all for road safety," Ms Cockfield said.

"Let's enjoy this fantastic weekend and hope it remains fatality free."