Police will be out in force this long weekend to stop speeding motorists, like this driver caught speeding at 191 km/h in a 70 km/h zone. Photo: NSW Traffic and Highway Command.
Double demerits will be in effect from midnight on Thursday (23 April) throughout the Anzac Day long weekend.
That means motorists will need to be even more alert when driving through school zones on Friday. With Anzac Day falling on Saturday, the NSW Government made a late decision to approve a public holiday for Monday 27 April.
NSW Police will have a high-visibility presence across the state during Operation Anzac Day, from 12:01 am on Friday until 11:59 pm Monday.
A double demerits period targeting speeding, mobile phone use, seatbelt and helmet offences will be in place for the same period.
Traffic and Highway Patrol commander acting assistant commissioner Trent King said every driver had a responsibility to make safe choices.
“We are seeing far too many lives lost on our roads, and every one of those deaths is a tragedy that didn’t need to happen. Our message this long weekend is simple: slow down and pay attention when driving,” he said.
“This operation isn’t about issuing tickets. It’s about stopping dangerous behaviour before it ends in a fatal crash.
“If we can prevent even one family from receiving a knock on the door, it’s worth every resource we put into it.
“Drivers should expect to see police out on roads. If you do the wrong thing, you will be stopped, you will be tested, and you will be held accountable.”
Officers from Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, along with general duties and specialist officers from all police commands and districts across the state will be deployed to urge drivers to make smart choices on the road.
There have been 108 lives lost on NSW roads this year, five more than the same time last year.
NSW Police and Counter-terrorism Minister Yasmin Catley said drivers could expect to see police on highways, in regional areas and across the metropolitan road network.
“There is no excuse for speeding, using your mobile phone, or incorrectly wearing a seatbelt. These are not just offences, they are choices – and they could cost you your life.
“If you make the wrong decision behind the wheel, you will be caught and you will face the consequences.
“Double demerits are there to deter risky behaviour and encourage safer driving when our roads are at their busiest.”
Motorists can plan trips by downloading the Live Traffic NSW app, visiting Live Traffic, calling 132 701, or using the TfNSW planning tool, My Journey NSW.
Members of the public are urged to report motorists engaged in dangerous driving to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Original Article published by Jen White on Region Illawarra.
