Inspector Michael Buko from Traffic and Highway Patrol's Newcastle and Hunter sector said police were anticipating the population on the roads in the region to "boom" from this week, which would be met with a strong police presence to enforce road safety.

"I think everyone is itching to get back out on the roads after the COVID lockdown. We're going to see a lot of people heading out of Sydney and into our region, in particular the Nelson Bay, Hunter Valley and Lake Macquarie tourist areas," he said.

"We're out in force in the holiday period looking at the four main offences: distracted driving, dangerous driving, drink and drug driving. If people who have been drink or drug driving think they can get away with sneaking down a back road, there's that many police and highway patrol cars, someone will catch you.

"This holiday period is a time to have some fun with your family and friends but to do it safely.

"We want everyone to behave in a responsible manner out on the roads, to put in the time to plan a safe trip, including stops so they're not fatigued, to ensure tyres, trailers and caravans are road safe and more importantly, to have some patience.

"We have the issue every year where there is a lack of patience shown by the drivers on the roads which can lead to accidents.

"We really need everyone to make a better effort to look out for each other on the roads."

The annual police traffic enforcement campaign, which clips double demerits for speeding, mobile phone, seatbelt and helmet offences, will launch at midnight on Christmas Eve (December 24) and run until 11.59pm on January 3.

Roadside and random breath and drug testing will be a focus for police throughout the holiday period.

Inspector Buko said drug testing would be prevalent as "we're seeing a steady climb of drug driving".

"Back in the day it used to be that drink driving was the most prevalent. Now, we're seeing it come up to that 60-40 alcohol to drugs positive test ratio. It's definitely climbing quickly, which is concerning," he said.

Police will also be targeting illegal trail bike riding during the holidays. Inspector Buko said unregistered trail bikes being ridden on main roads across the region had been a "major problem" and one police were targeting.

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