If you plan to hit the road note that reckless drivers will be the focus of this long weekend’s traffic operation by police across NSW.
Operation Easter 2023 will be a highly visible police traffic operation focussing on reducing road fatalities and trauma this holiday weekend.
The five-day operation will begin at 12.01am tomorrow (Thursday) and run until 11:59pm on Monday, April 10.
Double demerits will be in place throughout.
The operation will specifically target the major factors contributing to road trauma: excessive speed, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, fatigue, non-wearing of seatbelts and helmets, and mobile phone use.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Acting Assistant Commissioner Tracy Chapman, said substantial police resources have been assigned to the operation.
“This Easter, our officers will be out and about doing their best to keep the roads safe so that everyone can arrive to their destinations in time for a wonderful weekend with loved ones,’’ she said.
“The message is simple; drive to the speed limit, focus on the road, not your phone, and make sure you have a plan B if you are drinking.
“For the last two years, we’ve seen seven fatalities on the road each Easter long weekend. The goal this year is to reduce that number.’’
Peter Dunphy, the head for safety at Transport for NSW said there are simple steps everyone can take to make sure to arrive safely to their destinations this long weekend.
“If you are driving this long weekend, even if it’s a short trip, give yourself plenty of travel time, wear your seatbelt or helmet if you’re on a motorbike, stay under the speed limit, put your phone away and never drink or drug drive,” he said.
Motorists are also advised that they plan ahead by checking the Live Traffic NSW App for the latest updates or the journey planning tool https://www.myjourneynsw.info/
With severe weather expected in some parts of the state over the long weekend the SES is also urging the public to plan their journeys before travelling.
Some usual routes of travel may be closed or impacted due to recent damage and/or the potential for storm activity to cause flash flooding.
Temperatures are also expected to be below average, with snow forecast in alpine regions on Saturday and Sunday.
NSW SES Chief Superintendent Dallas Burnes said it was important people do their research before travelling, as many roads remain damaged from previous weather events.
“Some routes across the state remain impacted due to damage over the past year. Roads can become cut off by flash flooding quickly, so it’s essential travellers check both Livetraffic.com and local council websites before starting their journey,” he said.
For emergency help in floods and storms, call the NSW SES on 132 500. In life threatening situations, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
