Police are encouraging road users to look out for each other while travelling on NSW roads over Easter, ahead of a state-wide operation.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Easter Operation 2021 will begin at 12.01am Thursday 1 April 1, 2021 and run until 11:59pm on Monday April 5, 2021.
Double-demerit points are in force throughout the period for speeding, seatbelt, mobile phone and motorcycle helmet offences.
Officers will also be targeting other high-risk driver behaviour, including the Four Ds: drink, drug, dangerous and distracted driving.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner Karen Webb, is reminding road users to be extra careful, with NSW roads expected to be busy over the long weekend.
With COVID19 restricting travel last Easter, we expect people to take full advantage of being able to holiday across NSW and interstate this year, she said
We want you to enjoy our beautiful state, but please drive carefully, particularly where roads may be unfamiliar.
At the heart of our policing is always public safety. We want all of you to arrive at your destination and enjoy Easter with loved ones.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services, David Elliott, said there is no excuse for bad behaviour on our roads over the holiday period.
Many communities throughout the state are still dealing with the effects of devastating flooding and it is important nobody adds to the heartache,he said.
Double-demerit points are in force for a reason and Police officers will be stationed across NSW targeting high-risk behaviour.
Minister for Transport and Roads, Andrew Constance, is urging drivers to slow down this weekend and plan trips in advance.
Almost half of all fatalities on our roads last year involved excessive speeding, and each one of those deaths was preventable, he said.
"Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to travel, don't speed, drive to the conditions, wear your seatbelt, avoid distractions, make sure you're well rested and if you've been drinking or have taken drugs, don't drive."
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Paul Toole, said anyone travelling regionally should ensure they plan their trip well in advance and drive to the conditions.
A large-scale clean-up and recovery operation is underway around the state, but especially in regional NSW where many major roads remain closed or effected by flood damage.
Dont risk yours or your passengers safety when youre travelling this long weekend, factor in the delays and alternative routes you may need to take due to the flood damage and please be patient.
Motorists should plan their trip in advance using livetraffic.com or by visiting the SES website.
We depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here for the Highlands and here for the Tablelands. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.
