ACT Policing is reminding motorists that double demerit point periods will be in place for the Easter and Anzac Day long weekends, starting from midnight tonight. 

In total, there will be nine days where double demerits apply in a 12-day period, from first thing Thursday 14 April to Monday 18 April inclusive, and again from Friday 22 April to Monday 25 April inclusive. 

During both periods, all speeding, seatbelt, and mobile phone offences attract double demerit points, as does riding without a helmet. All other traffic offences will incur one additional demerit point. 

Officer in Charge, ACT Road Policing, Acting Inspector Nathan Macklin, said there have already been four road fatalities in Canberra this year. 

“We have a simple message. Slow down, drive sober, ensure everyone in your vehicle wears their seatbelt, and pay attention,” Acting Inspector Macklin said. 

“Road safety is everyone’s responsibly over the holiday period. We want to remind Canberrans to stay safe, follow the road rules and to plan your trip so you are not in a rush.”

NSW Police set sights on drink drivers

Across the border, NSW Police have today launched Easter Operation 2022 – a highly visible police traffic operation with a focus on reducing road fatalities and road trauma this holiday weekend.

Seven people lost their lives on NSW roads during the Easter long weekend in 2021 and more than 300 people were caught under the influence of alcohol.

Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Acting Assistant Commissioner Paul Glinn said a significant number of police resources would have a dedicated focus on road safety throughout the five-day operation.

“The number of people who blatantly disregarded the road rules last year and put the broader community at risk was unacceptable,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Paul Glinn said.

“Make no mistake that our police will be out and about this weekend – including on major road networks and on local streets – to catch those doing the wrong thing.”

In addition to targeting drink driving, Police will also have a focus on targeting drivers that are speeding, drug driving, not wearing seatbelts and distracted by mobile phones.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Police Paul Toole said everyone had a role to play to help keep the roads safe this Easter long weekend.

“We need to remember we’ve had extremely wet weather over recent weeks, and as the large-scale recovery operation to repair flood-damaged roads is underway, it’s crucial that drivers plan ahead for potential road closures and how that may impact on journey times,” Mr Toole said.

“It is more important than ever to pay attention, drive to the conditions and be aware of speed limits because we don’t want to see families torn apart by the impacts of road accidents.

“Remember, every police car has the ability to conduct random breath tests, so don’t risk drinking and driving.”

Transport for NSW Deputy Secretary of Safety Environment & Regulation, Tara McCarthy said speeding, fatigue and drink driving remain the biggest killers on NSW roads.

“Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to travel, don’t speed, drive to the conditions, wear your seatbelt, avoid distractions, make sure you’re well rested and never drink or drug drive,” Ms McCarthy said

“It’s also a good idea to visit livetraffic.com to plan your journey beforehand.”

Easter Operation 2022 will begin at 12.01am Thursday 14 April, and run until 11.59pm on Monday 18 April.