Motorists are being reminded to drive carefully with increased traffic expected over the coming days, coinciding with the end of ACT and NSW school holidays and Anzac Day on Tuesday.
Double demerits will be in place in the ACT from midnight tonight, 20 April, and will stay in effect until midnight Tuesday 25 April, ACT Policing advises. During this time, 40 km/h school zones will come back into operation at 8am on Monday 24 April.
Double demerits apply to all speeding, seatbelt, riding without a helmet and mobile phone offences. All other traffic offences attract an additional demerit point.
For drivers in NSW, the reminder comes after the recent Easter long weekend traffic operation by NSW Police, where more than 5000 speed infringements were issued, and 326 PCA charges laid across the state.
Tragically, seven people lost their lives on NSW roads during the Easter traffic operation.
NSW Minister for Police and Counter Terrorism, Yasmin Catley, has urged anyone planning to drive to local dawn services and other commemorative events to do so safely.
“Anzac Day is about honouring our wonderful armed forces and veterans, so we want everyone to arrive safely,” Ms Catley said.
“In the spirit of Anzac Day, let’s show comradery and look out for each other on our roads by slowing down, driving to the conditions, being patient, and not driving under the influence.”
The high-visibility policing operation in NSW will involve general duties officers, assisted by specialist police, including the Public Order and Riot Squad, Operations Support Group, Mounted Unit, PolAir, Licensing Police, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command and Police Transport Command.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Acting Assistant Commissioner Tracy Chapman, said police will be targeting high-risk behaviours such as excessive speed, alcohol and drug driving offences, illegal use of mobile phones and not wearing seatbelts.
“The goal is preventing injury and death. Tragically this year, 109 people have died on NSW roads – a concerning increase of 12 deaths compared to this time last year.
“Fatigue is a major contributor to road crashes, but police cannot take action against fatigue in the same way we would enforce something like speeding, so we have to rely on the public to do the right thing,” Assistant Commissioner Chapman said.
“A split-second’s inattention caused by fatigue can be catastrophic, so we urge drivers to plan their trips carefully, take regular breaks, and never get behind the wheel if they feel too tired to drive.
“We remain committed to ensuring public safety over the Anzac Day weekend, and we’re asking all motorists to do their part as well – especially as we expect more cars on our roads with school holidays coming to an end.”
Deputy Secretary of Safety, Environment and Regulation at Transport for NSW, Sally Webb, said roads are expected to be very busy with people taking the opportunity to travel over the weekend and public holiday, so urged road users to plan ahead.
“Please check the Live Traffic NSW App for the latest updates before you head off and give yourself plenty of travel time, even if it’s a short trip,” Ms Webb said.
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