Acknowledging the event “attracts high-risk drivers”, Shepparton police Highway Patrol Sergeant Janne Kennedy said there was an improvement in driver behaviour over the weekend compared to previous years.
Sgt Kennedy said although there was more traffic due to the event, it wasn’t excessive, and there were no serious injuries or fatalities in the area.
Shepparton police didn’t record statistics from the SpringNats weekend, due to Victorian police officers’ pay dispute with the Victorian Government.
However, there were cars impounded and people caught drink driving, drug driving, speeding, driving unlicensed and driving while suspended.
People travel interstate to Shepparton for the weekend, but Sgt Kennedy said they weren’t really an issue.
“Most people committing offences were local from around the area,” Sgt Kennedy said.
Sgt Kennedy said the rainy weather, which caused SpringNats to end early at 1pm on Sunday, also impacted driver behaviour.
Overall, people made “good decisions regarding safety”, Sgt Kennedy said.
Shepparton police Sgt Tim Mosely said police patrolling the area had no issues, and participant and crowd behaviour was very good.
There were five vehicles impounded over the weekend and multiple minor traffic infringements issued, but other than that the weekend was “business as usual”, Sgt Mosely said.
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