Double demerits will be in effect over the Labor Day long weekend, and ACT Policing is reminding motorists to drive with care.
The double demerit period begins on Friday 2 October and will run until Monday 5 October (inclusive).
ACT Policing says officers will be out conducting high visibility and unmarked patrols over the weekend, to ensure the safety of Canberrans over the long weekend.
Officer in Charge of Road Policing, Detective Inspector Marcus Boorman, warned the long weekend was “not the time to put other drivers and your licence at risk”.
“Double demerits are not in place to punish drivers doing the wrong thing, they are an incentive over and above the normal system for drivers to ensure they drive more safely during busy periods on our roads,” Detective Inspector Boorman said.
“That said, double demerits can have a serious impact on your ability to maintain your licence depending on the offence, so I advise drivers to be extra cautious on the roads.
He said previous double demerit point periods have been successful in reducing dangerous driver behaviour, and that the importance of driving safely “cannot be overstated”, with the ACT’s road fatality toll already at five for this year.
“Drivers also need to do their part. Road safety is everyone’s responsibility so slow down, drive to the conditions and get to your destination safely so you can enjoy the long weekend,” Detective Inspector Boorman said.
ACT Policing said during the double demerit period, 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.
The ACT Government has urged people to also be aware of COVID-19 when travelling for the school holidays, which run until Friday 9 October, and practise the ‘ABC of COVID-safe travel’: Avoid COVID-affected areas; Behave in a COVID-safe way; and Check back when you’re home. For more information, visit covid19.act.gov.au
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