AS Christmas and New Year celebrations rapidly approach, motorists are being urged to drive safe on busy roads as the double demerit holiday period starts.
This year New South Wales’ double demerit period lasts 13 days, starin on Friday, December 20 and finishing Wednesday, January 1.
Areas of focus NSW Police during the period include seatbelt and helmet use, speeding, and mobile phone offences.
The extra penalties end at midnight on the Wednesday.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said high traffic volumes are expected across the state during the holiday period.
“I’m asking everyone to please slow down and take extra care on our roads to make sure this is a merry Christmas,” she said.
“Stick to the speed limit, never drive if you’re affected by drugs or alcohol, make sure you’re well rested before hitting the road, always wear your seatbelt, wear a helmet if you’re riding a motorcycle and don’t use your phone illegally.”
Transport for NSW Executive Director Operations Management Craig Moran said the best way to have a safe journey is to be patient on the road, plan your trip and drive to the conditions.
“Our holiday and journey planning website has everything you need to plan your trip, with tools to help avoid the busiest times on our roads, an interactive rest stop map to plan your breaks, and access to Live Traffic, where you can check out real time incident information,” he said.
