By ANNA USHER

Local motorists are being warned to take care on the road as NSW Police target speeding and alcohol-affected drivers during the Australia Day long weekend.

A double demerit period is in place for the same period for speeding, mobile phone, seatbelt, and motorcycle helmet offences.

The high-visibility police operation involves officers from Traffic and Highway Patrol Command with the assistance of general duties and specialist police from all police 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.

“This long weekend, police will be out in force to keep people safe on our roads. Double demerits are in place, and enforcement will be highly visible. Speeding, drink or drug driving, using your phone or not wearing a seatbelt are choices that can cost lives.”

Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner David Driver, said police would target speeding, drink and drug driving, fatigue, mobile phone use, and restraint offences.

“Our message is that if you are travelling on our roads this weekend then we want everyone to reach their destination safely,” Assistant Commissioner Driver said.

“Too many lives are lost on our roads 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 speed limit increases the risk of crashing so don’t do it.”

Transport for NSW Executive Director for Transport Safety, Chadi Chalhoub said every person on the road has a role to play in keeping themselves and others safe.

“NSW ended 2025 with an unacceptably high 355 lives lost on our roads, most on regional roads, with speed a key factor in fatal crashes,” Mr Chalhoub said.

“With people travelling at the end of the summer break and ahead of the school term, drivers and riders are urged to slow down and drive to the conditions.”

“As families prepare for the school year, drivers are reminded that school zones return from 27 January and to be alert for children, even on pupil-free days.”

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.