North East police resources continue to be stretched as officers move from their regular duties to staff checkpoints.
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Some stations in the region have at times been forced to close for short periods, and others are operating with significantly reduced numbers.
While police are still responding to all incidents, delays in response are occurring with less serious matters.
North East officers are concerned about possible deployments to other areas during the operation, including as far as Cann River on the east coast of Victoria.
Stations in some parts of Melbourne are also being strained by the border closure.
It remains unclear how long the checkpoints, which have recently received additional support from Forest Fire Management Victoria workers, will be in place for.
While the pandemic has caused frustration and delays for police and drivers, a reduction in traffic at times during 2020 appears to have led to a reduction in the road toll.
Fewer lives were lost on roads in the Wodonga and Wangaratta regions last year, with 10 lives lost in traffic collisions.
Four people were killed in the Wodonga police area in 2020 with six lives lost in Wangaratta.
There had been seven deaths in Wodonga in 2019 and five in Wangaratta.
Road deaths continued to decline in the Albury police region with five people killed in 2020, down from seven in 2019 and 10 in 2018.
Officers continued to target dangerous drivers throughout the year, including in the Alpine region.
A series of concerning offences near Mount Beauty region in late 2020 led to charges being pressed against the alleged driver this week.
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Officers had been investigating multiple high-risk driving offences which occurred in Tawonga on October 2.
Mount Beauty officers have now charged a 20-year-old man with hooning offences.
Officers said in a statement that the man could be linked to other driving incidents in the area.
"Police are investigating whether the same man is responsible for similar incidents on the Kiewa Valley Highway, Tawonga Gap Road and Bogong High Plains Road over the past year," a spokeswoman said.
"Police encourage anyone with information about high risk or dangerous driving offences to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
"We'd also like to thank our local community for information they provide that assists us in holding dangerous drivers to account."
The man will front Myrtleford Magistrates Court on March 5.
