NSW Police are urging drivers with road trip plans this Christmas to consider their safety and that of those around them.
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Operation Safe Arrival – NSW Police’s Christmas and New Year road safety enforcement operation – starts at 12.01am on Friday, December 21, and ends at 11.59pm on Tuesday, January 1.
Double demerits will be operational for speeding, seatbelt, mobile phone and motorcycle helmet offences.
Far North Region Traffic Tactician, Inspector Peter McMenamin, said police would focus on main and backroads leading to key coastal areas. Rural roads will also be targeted by police this holiday.
“In particular I would like to encourage our overseas visitors to take some time and get to know our road rules and the laws surrounding drink driving,“ Insp McMenamin said
“What we want to do is combat the belief that you can have a few drinks in a small community and not be pulled over for a RBT.”
Insp McMenamin said delays on long journeys are inevitable and people should factor additional time into their planning process.
“When people were impatient they sometimes took risks in their vehicles that placed them, and their loved ones, more at risk of being in a crash.
Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey said it wasn’t worth taking the risk during the holiday season.
“With Christmas and New Year just days away, there are plenty of people out on the roads enjoying celebrations and travelling to see friends and family,” she said.
“If you’re one of them, make sure you plan, get a good night’s sleep, drive to the conditions, stick to the speed limit and never ever risk driving if there’s a chance you could be affected by drugs or alcohol.”
On top of regular double demerits, NSW Police added an extra point to the penalty for illegally using a mobile phone while driving on September 17.
This will add an additional two demerit points in double demerit periods resulting in a total of 10 demerit points for this offence.
