“You will be penalised”. Drivers warned ahead of long weekend police crackdown.

By ANNA USHER

New data has revealed the most dangerous time to be on the road during winter, as double demerits kick in for the Kings Birthday long weekend.

From 12.01am Friday, to 11.59pm Monday, drivers in New South Wales are subject to double demerit point penalties for speeding, mobile phones, seatbelt, and motorcycle helmet offences.

Thirteen people died on NSW roads during the June long weekend last year.

Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, together with local police, will patrol all roads across the state, targeting traffic offences with the aim of preventing injury and death.

Police Minister Yasmin Catley said police will be taking an absolute zero tolerance approach to driving misdemeanours this weekend, urging motorists to “be safe and drive to the conditions”.

“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.”

NSW Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden, said police will continue to target behaviour that endangers lives.

“This coming weekend is traditionally one of the busiest on our roads which causes us great concern.”

“Just in the past few weeks alone we have seen multiple fatal crashes on our roads. 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.”

Data shows midday to 6pm is the most dangerous time to be on the road during winter.

“The afternoon is the most dangerous time on the roads in winter,” Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Glenn Weir said.

“We know it’s a time of day when there’s a lot of traffic on the roads but in the colder months it’s also darker earlier and motorists have to contend with wet weather.”

“If you’re caught doing the wrong thing and put other road users at risk, you will be penalised.”

For those heading to the snow, motorists are encouraged to use the Snowy Mountains Bus Service which will run between Jindabyne, Perisher and Thredbo from Saturday 8 June. See the timetable.



There are also services to the Perisher Skitube, East Jindabyne, Tyrolean Village and Cooma. Concession, family and season passes are also available. Check prices and book here.