ALMOST 1000 drivers were charged with driving offences in the Yarra Ranges during the Christmas period, making it the sixth-worst area in the state.
A total of 986 breaches — including by 35 drink-drivers — were recorded from November 16 to January 6 as part of the Summer Stay road enforcement campaign.
Despite the high numbers, Yarra Ranges highway patrol's Acting Sergeant Graeme Rust said 2012 figures were "altogether pleasing".
He said fatalities were down 77.8 per cent from 2011, while serious injury collisions were down 25.8 per cent.
"[We] are not going to rest as a result of these good results over the Christmas blitz," he said.
"In fact, we're still out in force on the roads and sending the message that we will not tolerate dangerous and irresponsible driving behaviour."
Maroondah police reported they were "disappointed" and "disturbed" by drivers over the Christmas period.
More than 300 drivers in Maroondah were charged for a range of offences.
Sergeant Simon Coverley, of the Maroondah highway patrol, said constant messages on television, radio and newspapers were not getting through. "It's disturbing that the numbers are so high considering the media coverage against these offences," he said.
"People were warned and it's just disappointing that some people think they can get away with it."
Most of the offences (42 per cent) related to speeding, while a number of breaches (17 per cent) were for unregistered, unlicensed or disqualified drivers.
Sergeant Coverley said the operation — which was also conducted by units from Croydon and Ringwood police — yielded a high number of offences across the board rather than one particular category.
"If you want to break the road rules, you're going to get caught.
"Everyone was told we were going to be out and about during this time and there are those few who decide they can flout the law and get away with it."
Maroondah (Nov 16 - Jan 6):
316 total offences, including:
■ 134 speeding drivers
■ 108 other offences
■ 33 disqualified and unlicensed drivers
■ 21 unregistered drivers
■ 14 mobile phone offences
■ 6 drink-drivers
■ 0 drug-drivers
Yarra Ranges (Nov 16 - Jan 6):
986 total offences, including:
■ 35 drink-drivers
[Further breakdown not available]