Hefty fine and 12 demerits for no seatbelts

The Labour Day long weekend traffic operation has now concluded, with three lives lost on NSW roads.

The high-visibility operation saw police across the state targeting drink and drug driving, fatigue, mobile phone use, speeding and seat belt and helmet offences, with double demerits in place for the duration of the four-day operation.

In the northern region police issued 2,726 infringements, including 1,184 for speeding; conducted 26,763 breath tests resulting in 70 PCA charges and 154 positive drug driving tests.

Over the long weekend there were 64 major crashes in the region and one fatality.

Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Acting Assistant Commissioner Tracy Chapman said too many road users continued to put lives in danger by taking unnecessary risks.

“There are still far too many people breaking the rules on our roads. It needs to stop,” she said.

“We saw several incidents of drivers travelling with unrestrained passengers, including young children.

“Those drivers were lucky their interaction with police was not at a crash site. The rules around seatbelts and restraints exist for a reason and I would remind all drivers to ensure their passengers are properly restrained.

At about 10.15pm on Saturday, October 5 a vehicle pulled in to a random breath testing site on Dane Dr, Gosford.

Police found three passengers, two children and an adult, were not wearing seatbelts.

The 34-year-old driver was issued with an infringement, fined $1,318 and 12 demerit points.

“The traffic operation is over but police will always target dangerous driving in an effort to save lives,” Acting Commissioner Chapman said.