Central Coast motorists are warned that police will be out in force over the long weekend, with double demerits applying from midnight on Friday, June 7, until midnight on Monday, June 10.
The NSW Police Force has joined with Transport NSW to launch an operation to target excessive speed, alcohol and drug driving, fatigue, and distracted driving.
Operation King’s Birthday 2024 will see Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, together with local police, patrolling all roads across the state, targeting traffic offences with the aim of preventing injury and death.
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said police will be taking an absolute zero tolerance approach to all dangerous driving behaviour, as they do every day.
“Our message to drivers this long weekend is to be safe and drive to the conditions so you can return home to your loved ones,” she said.
“We don’t want to see dangerous behaviour on our roads.
“We all have a responsibility every time we get behind the wheel of a vehicle.
“Don’t speed, don’t drink, or take drugs and drive, and don’t use your mobile phone while driving.
“And if you’re feeling tired, the only way to fight fatigue is to take a rest.”
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden, said the June long weekend is traditionally one of the busiest on our roads.
“Just in the past few weeks alone we have seen multiple fatal crashes on our roads,” he said.
“This should not be acceptable to us as a community.
“But it is not just the responsibility of police to ensure road safety is enforced.
“I would urge anyone who is a passenger in a vehicle to call out the bad behaviour of drivers.
“You may not only save your own life, but someone else’s too.
“It’s up to all of us to do better.”
Members of the public are urged to report motorists engaged in dangerous driving to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.