Long weekends see a surge in holiday makers and travellers hitting our roads so this weekend Barrier Police echo calls from NSW Police for everyone to drive to survive and slow down when travelling.
Australia Day Operation 2024 is a state-wide traffic enforcement operation where double demerits come into effect from Thursday, January 25 at 12:01am and end at 11:59pm on Monday, January 29 for the Australia Day long weekend.
Higher fines and double demerit points will apply for offences committed such as speeding, not wearing a seatbelt or helmet, driving under the influence of drugs and\or alcohol, fatigue, or using a mobile phone while driving a vehicle.
Shadow Minister for Police Paul Toole is reminding NSW residents and visitors to the state that safety is the number one priority on our roads.
“Every time you get behind the wheel this long weekend, please think of those in the car with you and those in the cars around, let everyone reach their destination safely,” Mr Toole said.
“There is no excuse for speeding, drink driving or using a mobile whilst driving. The message is simple – just don’t do it.
“We experienced some harrowing tragedies over the Christmas New Year holidays, and we certainly do not want to see a repeat of that this long weekend,” said Mr Toole.
The NSW 2023 road toll ended at 351, which is 84 more than in 2022.
“Already there has been 21 deaths this year on NSW roads and we have seen many roads across the Central West – particularly the Great Western Highway, closed on a number of occasions due to crashes impacting everyone’s travel plans,” reminded Mr Toole.
“Speeding, fatigue, and drink or drug driving remain the biggest killers on NSW roads and the NSW Police will be out in numbers ensuring that if you do the wrong thing, you will be caught.”
