Operation Christmas/New Year 2024 commenced at 12:01 am Friday (20 December) and will conclude at 11:59 pm on Wednesday 1 January. Photo: NSW Police.
Operation Christmas/New Year 2024 commenced today (20 December), with police out in force targeting dangerous driving this holiday period.
Earlier this week, authorities offered the ‘carrot’ to drivers in line to reclaim a point on their licence if they remain infraction free until the 16th of January, but today, they promised to give dangerous drivers the ‘stick’.
Double demerit points will be in force until 11:59 pm on Wednesday 1 January for drivers caught speeding, using or touching a mobile phone, drink and drug driving or not wearing seatbelts.
Minister for Police Yasmin Catley warned that it was one of the most dangerous times to be on the road.
“Some people think it’s OK to check a text, speed on familiar roads, or drive tired, but road rules exist to keep everyone safe,” Ms Catley said.
“While police will be out and about patrolling this holiday season, it’s up to all of us to take responsibility – and if you do the wrong thing, you can expect to see red and blue lights in your rearview mirror.
“You don’t want to get a fine in the mail or lose your licence, but even worse, you don’t want to be the reason someone misses out on celebrating with their loved ones this Christmas.”
Six people died as a result of crashes during the Christmas and new year period last year and Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said the priority was saving lives.
“It’s easy to become complacent about road safety, but unsafe driving can have tragic consequences,” she said.
“You can avoid heavy penalties, and more importantly avoid hurting yourself or other people on the road, by staying under the speed limit, putting your phone away, correctly wearing a seatbelt and giving yourself plenty of travel time,” she said.
“If you’re riding a motorcycle, I also urge you to follow this advice and always wear a helmet and protective gear.”
So far this year 330 people have died in crashes on NSW roads – 244 of those in regional areas. For the same period last year, 331 people died in crashes in NSW.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Acting Assistant Commissioner Tracy Chapman, said it had been a grim start to December this year.
“Sadly, we have seen an increase of fatal crashes on our roads in recent weeks, which is devastating to families, friends and whole communities,” Ms Chapman said.
“The risk of a fine or the loss of demerit points should deter people from breaking the law. However, not putting the lives of others at risk should be the incentive to use our roads safely.
“We urge people to drive safely; this means not driving while you are tired, taking breaks on long trips, driving to the conditions and not getting behind the wheel if you have been drinking alcohol, have taken illicit drugs or are impaired in any way,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Chapman said.
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