Warning to Victorian motorists ahead of unofficial long weekend

Police are warning Victorians to avoid flood affected regions as they launch a major road safety blitz for the Melbourne Cup long weekend.

While Monday is not a public holiday, police expect many Victorians will take the day off and make it a four-day weekend.

Victoria Police’s Operation Furlong road safety blitz will begin at midnight tonight in a bid to reduce the number of fatalities on the roads.

This year’s road toll is already nine per cent higher than the five year average, and the Melbourne Cup long weekend marks the start of a particularly high risk period on the state’s roads.

Assistant Commissioner for Road Policing Glenn Weir says the floods crisis threatens to heighten the risk of serious crashes.

Press PLAY below for more details from police