After NSW ended 2025 with an unacceptably high 355 lives lost on roads, police will target speeding and alcohol-affected drivers this long weekend.
And, the men and women in blue are expected to be out in force during Operation Australia Day from 12.01am on Friday 23 January to 11.59pm on Monday 26 January.
A double demerit period is also in place for the same period for speeding, mobile phone, seatbelt and motorcycle helmet offences.
The high-visibility campaign involves officers from Traffic and Highway Patrol Command with the assistance of general duties and specialist police from all commands and districts across the state.
Acting Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Paul Scully said too many families had their lives shattered by dangerous driving.
“Law enforcement will be highly visible this weekend,” he stated.
“At the end of the day, speeding, drink or drug driving, using your phone or not wearing a seatbelt are choices that can cost lives.
“If you’re travelling this long weekend, plan ahead, be patient, drive to the conditions and don’t drive fatigued.
“The goal of this operation is simple.
“We want everyone to get where they’re going safely and return home to their loved ones.”
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander Assistant Commissioner David Driver reinforced that warning.
“We’re focusing on speeding, drink and drug driving, fatigue, mobile phone use, and restraint offences,” he said.
“So, our message is that if you are travelling on our roads this weekend then we want everyone to reach their destination safely.
“Too many lives are lost because of poor decisions.
“If you plan on drinking, then have a Plan B and don’t drive.
“Even speeding a couple of kilometres over the limit increases the risk of crashing.
“So, don’t do it.
“This operation is about preventing tragedy.
“One moment of inattention can have lifelong consequences.”
Plan your trip by downloading the Live Traffic NSW app, visiting livetraffic.com, calling 132 701, or using the TfNSW journey planning tool myjourneynsw.info.
Members of the public are also urged to report motorists engaged in dangerous driving to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
For more news stories:
- Calvary Mater issued breach notices following maggot, mould issues
- Hunter Senator resigns from Shadow cabinet after hate laws split
- Union backs call for reintroduction of passenger trains to Cessnock
Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.
