ACT Policing is issuing two reminders for the Anzac Day long weekend: to drive safely, and to remember double demerit points will be in place as they were over the Easter long weekend.
Police will have zero tolerance for drivers breaking the road rules this weekend, a message they want heeded by Canberra locals and any visitors to the ACT.
Officer in Charge ACT Road Policing, Acting Inspector Nathan Macklin said dangerous driving would be targeted for the Anzac Day period.
“Two years ago, despite the pandemic restrictions, police issued more than 250 infringement notices on the Anzac Day weekend. On recent long weekends, the numbers detected committing traffic offences has been trending downwards, but there’s no room for complacency,” Acting Inspector Macklin said.
“Sadly, a small number of drivers are still making the deliberate choice to speed, or to drive when they’re well over the limit.
“I’m not talking about making a small misjudgment, I’m talking high-range speeding. Or driving after having several drinks too many.
“It’s a small minority of drivers who don’t care about anyone else on the roads, but the consequences of just one of these drivers’ actions can be tragic. To them I say, quite simply, don’t do it.
“If you’re speeding, drink-driving, drug-driving or otherwise doing the wrong thing, we’ll be targeting you.”
Double demerit points will be in place for four days, from the first instance on Friday 22 April until midnight on Anzac Day, Monday 25 April, and drivers caught speeding, not properly wearing a seatbelt, or committing mobile phone offences will accrue double the usual demerit points, as will anyone riding without a helmet. All other traffic offences will incur one additional demerit point.
Drivers are also reminded to obey any road closures in place around Anzac Day ceremonies on Monday.
