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‘Double-demerits’ hiatus no excuse to break road rules

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Even though the customary double-demerits process will be scrapped this long weekend, David Elliott is warning it’s not a “green light” for drivers to break the rules.

In fact, the NSW Minister for Police and Emergency Services wants to remind motorists to “slow down and stay safe”, particularly in regions where travel is now allowed.

Stay-at-home orders apply to everyone living or staying in Greater Sydney including the Blue Mountains, Central Coast and Wollongong local government areas, as well as Newcastle, Port Stephens, Maitland, Lake Macquarie, Muswellbrook and Cessnock LGAs in the Hunter.

Those who are not subjected to lockdown restrictions can go to other similar destinations.

For example, Singleton residents might arrange a trip to Mudgee in the Mid-Western Regional LGA, which is released from its NSW Health obligations tonight.

“It is essential that all drivers planning on travelling in NSW this long weekend comply with the existing Public Health Orders,” Mr Elliott said.

“If anyone has any doubts, they can visit www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19 to ensure they are doing the right thing.”

Operation Long Weekend 2021 starts at 12.01am on Friday 1 October and concludes at 11.59pm on Monday 4 October.

However, Mr Elliott said “double-demerits” would be suspended over the next four days to give people a break.

“It’s been a long, tough COVID-blighted year in NSW and the long weekend marks a point in this journey where we can see the finishing line,” he explained.

“Stay-at-home orders continue to apply to much of NSW, so the only people on the roads in lockdown areas should be those with a reasonable excuse.

“This is in no way a green light for drivers to break the rules.

“Traffic and Highway Patrol officers will be out in force as usual.

“But, this weekend, we won’t be doubling-up the demerits.”

Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander Assistant Commissioner Stephen Hegarty said police would target motorists breaking the law across the state, with a focus on regional areas not under stay-at-home orders, where more cars are expected on the road.

“Police still have the power to fine, charge or suspend the licence of any driver breaking the road rules and endangering lives,” he stated.

“This long weekend, we’ll be targeting drink, drug, distracted and dangerous driving (Four Ds), speeding, and driving while tired, among other offences, across NSW – especially in regional areas where travel is permitted.

“As always, our focus remains the safety of the community across the state.

“We want all road users to return home to their loved ones.”

Police will also continue to monitor travel in and out of regional areas, including random checks on people leaving Greater Sydney and other areas under lockdown to ensure they have a permit to do so.

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