ACT Policing and the Kings Highway Road Safety Partnership have today launched their annual campaign targeting drivers ahead of the summer mass migration of Canberrans to the NSW South Coast.
The partnership brings together Eurobodalla Shire, Shoalhaven City and Queanbeyan Palerang Regional councils, ACT Policing, NSW Police, Transport Canberra and City Services, and Transport for NSW with the aim of reducing road trauma on the Kings Highway.
Since the partnership began in 2008, the annual Kings Highway road toll has halved.
Officer in Charge of Road Policing, Detective Inspector Marcus Boorman, said police were expecting greater numbers on the highway this year as people look to travel following a year confined to Canberra due to COVID-19.
“The holiday season always sees an increase in the number of motorists on the Kings Highway as people travel between Canberra and the South Coast,” Detective Inspector Boorman said.
“With the challenges that 2020 has brought due to COVID-19, there is potential for those numbers to be even greater this Christmas holidays.
“I would urge anyone travelling on the Kings Highway this summer to take care, and to remember that even a minor lapse in concentration or judgement can have tragic, catastrophic consequences.”
Detective Inspector Boorman advised drivers should expect delays on the Kings Highway due to traffic volume, and that driving to the conditions is important as always.
“We want everyone to get to their destination safely so they can spend their Christmas with family and friends, not dealing with police or a serious collision.
“I’d also encourage drivers to watch their speed, and ask themselves ‘Who are you rushing to meet?’
“Please also take regular breaks – there are rest areas and Driver Reviver stations along the route to the coast.”
ACT Policing and the NSW Police Force will work closely to provide a coordinated approach to traffic enforcement on the Kings Highway and will actively target dangerous driving behaviour, including speeding as well as drink and drug driving.
The campaign will run until the end of January 2021.
