Sergeant Greg Cressell said a divisional van crew was stopped at Warrnambool's Henna Street/Raglan Parade traffic lights intersection facing north at 8pm.

The officers noticed that two vehicles facing east took off racing from the intersection down Raglan Parade when their light turned green.

"The members heard the screeching of tyres as the vehicles accelerated heavily and started racing," he said.

"They activated their emergency lights and siren in an attempt to intercept the vehicles which were both travelling at a fast rate of speed, well in excess of the speed limit."

Sergeant Cressell said a blue Holden Commodore sedan pulled south into Liebig Street and parked, followed by the divisional van.

Officers spoke to the driver, his car was seized, which will attract impoundment fees of more than $1000, and he will be charged on summons with a range of offences, including street racing.

Subsequent investigations revealed the owner of the second vehicle, a Holden utility, and that vehicle was also impounded.

Both drivers, men aged in their 20s, are expected to appear on summons at the Warrnambool Magistrates Court on a date yet to be set.

Sergeant Cressell said it was beyond belief that the two drivers would start street racing while watched by police members sitting at the traffic lights in a marked police divisional van.

"That's never going to end well," he said.

"This is highly unacceptable behaviour that puts the community and all road users at risk.

"If we find out about these sort of activities we will prosecute those responsible to the full extent of the law."

A police spokesman added that all drivers should do everything possible to be safe on the roads.

"If you want to race go to Sandown Racecourse, it's cheaper than getting your car impounded," he said.

Police also warned that with the easing of coronavirus social gathering restrictions that officers would be focusing on road patrols.

"If you are socialising at a friend's house and intend to drive, please watch your alcohol consumption," he said.

"There have been a few cases recently in the Warrnambool area where people have attended a social gathering at a friend's address, had a few drinks and then driven home.

"Those drink drivers have been caught by local police and in some cases lost their licence immediately. Take care on the roads," he said.

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